TBB reacts to operations targeting CHP municipalities

The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) issued a statement regarding the recent operations targeting CHP municipalities, reminding that the Constitutional Court has repeatedly emphasized that measures restricting the freedom of elected individuals should only be applied in mandatory and exceptional circumstances. The TBB stated, "The emerging picture creates serious problems in terms of the principles of the rule of law and democratic competition."

Stating that they are following the news of the detention of the mayors of Adana, Adıyaman, Antalya, and Büyükçekmece this morning with concern, the TBB expressed that the arrests and the appointment of trustees in Istanbul, İzmir, Adana, Batman, Hakkâri, Kars, Mardin, Mersin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Tunceli, and Van have further complicated this situation.

EMPHASIS ON THE RIGHT TO BE ELECTED AND REPRESENTED

In its statement, the TBB included the following: "Such actions not only eliminate the freedom of individuals but also the right to be elected and represented; they carry the meaning of direct interference with the will of the voters. As the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, we once again remind that detention and arrest are exceptional measures in criminal investigations, and we emphasize that a much more careful and proportionate approach is required when individuals elected to office are involved."

THE SITUATION OF LAWYER ONUR BÜYÜKHATİPOĞLU

Furthermore, it was stated that the instruction given by the Manavgat Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to "allow suspects to meet with only one private defense counsel" is contrary to the Criminal Procedure Code and restricts the right to defense. Stating that they are taking the allegations that lawyer Onur Büyükhatipoğlu, who was detained, was subjected to these actions due to his professional activities seriously, the TBB announced that they are closely following the process to protect the right to defense and the independence of the legal profession.