Lawyers for Lawyers, together with other bar associations and lawyers’ rights organisations, expresses grave concern over the arrest and ongoing house arrest of human rights lawyer Ruken Güla?ac? in Türkiye.
Ms Güla?ac?, a member of the Istanbul Bar Association and executive board member of the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD), was arrested on 20 May 2025 while visiting a client at Kand?ra Prison. Following an overnight detention, she was transferred to the Ça?layan Courthouse where she was interrogated by the Prosecutor. On 21 May, the Criminal Peace Judgeship issued a house arrest order against her without granting her the opportunity to appear before a judge—a decision made in absentia, without justification, and in clear violation of fair trial standards.
Ms Güla?ac? is widely known for her legal representation of academics, lawyers, and Kurdish politicians. She also serves as a board member of the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH) and is active in the Foundation for Society and Legal Studies (TOHAV). Her arrest and judicial restrictions appear to be directly linked to her legitimate professional activities, raising serious concerns about the criminalisation of legal representation in Türkiye.
According to her legal counsel, the Prosecutor’s questions centered on Ms Güla?ac?’s professional engagements—specifically her meetings with clients—suggesting an attempt to equate her legal work with criminal activity. Such treatment undermines the independence of the legal profession and violates international standards protecting lawyers from harassment or improper interference.
This case occurs against the backdrop of a broader crackdown on lawyers and civil society in Türkiye, particularly in the aftermath of mass protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem ?mamo?lu. Lawyers representing political dissidents are increasingly subjected to surveillance, intimidation, and criminal prosecution, threatening access to justice and the right to a fair trial.
Turkey: Deep concern over the arrest and detention of lawyer Ruken Güla?ac?
