Istanbul Bar Association Faces Trial Over Statement on Journalists Killed in Syria

In a case raising significant concerns about freedom of expression and the independence of legal institutions in Turkey, Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu and ten board members are facing criminal charges that could result in up to 12 years in prison. The charges stem from a statement issued by the Bar Association on December 21, 2024, condemning the deaths of Kurdish journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, who were reportedly killed in a Turkish drone strike near the Tishrin Dam in northern Syria while covering clashes between Turkish-backed forces and US-supported Kurdish fighters.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has accused the Bar Association leaders of “disseminating terrorist propaganda” and “publicly spreading misleading information through the press”. The indictment alleges that their statement, which called for adherence to international humanitarian law and an effective investigation into the incident, exceeded their professional mandate and constituted conduct incompatible with their official roles.

The first hearing took place on March 4, 2025, at the Silivri Prison Complex. The trial faced logistical challenges, including overcrowded courtrooms and restricted access for journalists and observers. Notably, Bar Association board member Fırat Epözdemir, who was detained upon returning from an advocacy visit to the Council of Europe, remains in custody and was unable to attend the hearing.

International legal and human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the prosecution, viewing it as a direct challenge to the independence of the legal profession and a troubling indicator of the erosion of democratic principles in Turkey. They argue that the charges undermine the role of bar associations in safeguarding human rights and upholding the rule of law.

The trial is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for later this year. The outcome is being closely watched by both domestic and international observers, as it may set a precedent for the treatment of legal professionals and the limits of free expression in Turkey.