Judicial observation mission and prison visit – “ÇHD II” trial and visit to Aytaç Ünsal (Istanbul, Turkey)
Observation of the trial of: Selçuk Kozağaçlı, Oya Aslan, Barkın Timtik, Güçlü Sevimli, Özgür Yılmaz and Gülvin Aydın Savran (ÇHD II trial)
Prison visit to: Aytaç Ünsal
Date of the mission: 7–9 May 2026
Date of the report: May 2026
Description: The OIAD joined a judicial observation mission in Istanbul on 8 and 9 May 2026 to attend the fourth hearing of the so-called “ÇHD II” trial, targeting several lawyers who are members of the Progressive Lawyers’ Association (ÇHD), prosecuted for “propaganda in favour of a terrorist organisation”.
The hearing on 8 May 2026 was held before the 18th Istanbul High Criminal Court. Due to the absence of the presiding judge, the case was adjourned until 7 October 2026 without any examination of the merits. Observers nevertheless noted continuing concerns regarding respect for the rights of the defence and the use of anti-terrorism laws against activities related to the practice of law.
As part of this mission, the delegation also visited lawyer Aytaç Ünsal at the high-security prison in Edirne, where he has been detained since 2018. Mr Ünsal reported restrictions on correspondence, access to information and contact between detainees, as well as conditions of transfer which he described as inhuman treatment.
The lawyers facing prosecution and Mr Ünsal all emphasised the importance of support and the presence of international observers in the current context of the rule of law in Turkey.
