Turkey: arbitrary conviction and detention of lawyer Suna Bilgin for the exercise of her profession
2 March 2026
The OIAD is deeply concerned about the arrest and conviction of Turkish human rights lawyer Suna Bilgin.
Suna Bilgin has been a lawyer at the Tunceli Bar for over twenty years and a member of the Human Rights Association (İHD). She is known for her commitment to human rights and the defence of cases related to violations committed by the security forces, the defence of Kurdish activists, political prisoners, women and minorities. As a former political refugee recognised in Switzerland, she was arrested on 7 November 2025 on her way back to Turkey.
On 17 December 2025, Ms Bilgin was sentenced by the 1st Tunceli Criminal Court to six years and three months’ imprisonment for “membership of a terrorist organisation”. She is currently being held in Bakırköy women’s prison in Istanbul.
According to the available information, Ms Bilgin’s conviction is based on her professional activities. In particular, the prosecution seems to be basing its case on her participation in gatherings, including the funerals of Kurdish activists Sakine Cansız, Fidan Doğan, and Leyla Şaylemez, who were murdered in Paris.
Her public statements, particularly regarding serious violations such as the Roboski/Uludere massacre, in which 34 Kurdish civilians lost their lives, as well as her involvement in associations, were also reportedly held against her.
There are serious concerns about respect for fair trial guarantees. Ms Bilgin was reportedly tried in a very short timeframe, based in particular on anonymous testimony, without having the time necessary to effectively prepare her defence.
The Observatory recalls that the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers guarantee that lawyers must not be treated in the same way as their clients or be prosecuted for acts carried out in the course of their defence.
The Observatory recalls that the criminalisation of legitimate professional activities undermines the independence of the legal profession and, moreover, the rule of law.
The Observatory urges the Turkish State to immediately and unconditionally release Ms. Suna Bilgin, to ensure compliance with international fair trial standards and to put an end to any prosecution based on the legitimate exercise of the profession of lawyer.
The Observatory urges the Turkish authorities to cease the practice of abusing anti-terrorist laws against lawyers and human rights defenders.
The Observatory calls on the Turkish authorities to guarantee Me Bilgin’s fundamental rights, in accordance with its international obligations, including those set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“ Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law“. (Article 9)
“In the determination of any criminal charge against him, everyone shall be entitled to the following minimum guarantees, in full equality:
(…) b) To have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence and to communicate with counsel of his own choosing.” (Article 14§3).
