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Abuse of Counterterrorism and Human Rights - A Decade after the Failed Coup Attempt in Türkiye
Journalists and Writers Foundation JWFAbuse of Counterterrorism and Human Rights - July 2026 Between July 2024 and March 2026, Turkey has faced ongoing challenges concerning human rights and counter-terrorism measures. Unfortunately, these efforts often fall short of international human rights standards. The core issue lies in the overbroad application of anti-terror laws. Since 2016, these laws have been used primarily to target journalists, political opponents, lawyers, and civil society actors—rather than actual suspects involved in terrorist activities. The broad definition of terrorism has led to severe restrictions on freedoRead moreShow less
Abuse of Counterterrorism and Human Rights - July 2026
Between July 2024 and March 2026, Turkey has faced ongoing challenges concerning human rights and counter-terrorism measures. Unfortunately, these efforts often fall short of international human rights standards.
The core issue lies in the overbroad application of anti-terror laws. Since 2016, these laws have been used primarily to target journalists, political opponents, lawyers, and civil society actors—rather than actual suspects involved in terrorist activities.
The broad definition of terrorism has led to severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. People are investigated or prosecuted for expressing their opinions, social media activity, or political participation—sometimes even for indirect links to organizations shut down under emergency decrees.
In 2024, the Human Rights Committee urged Turkey to revise its counter-terrorism laws—specifically Law No. 3713, Law No. 7262, and related Criminal Code articles. The focus is on narrowing definitions of terrorism to prevent misuse against civil society and lawful activities.
They also called for ensuring that suspects have legal safeguards from the moment of detention—access to legal representation, clear communication of charges, and fair trial standards. Respecting human rights is essential in the fight against terrorism.
Justice and human rights must go hand in hand. Only then can genuine peace and security be achieved.
Read more at https://jwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JWF-Report-A-Decade-After-the-Failed-Coup-Attempt-in-Turkiye-July-15-2016.pdf
Between July 2024 and March 2026, Turkey has faced ongoing challenges concerning human rights and counter-terrorism measures. Unfortunately, these efforts often fall short of international human rights standards.
The core issue lies in the overbroad application of anti-terror laws. Since 2016, these laws have been used primarily to target journalists, political opponents, lawyers, and civil society actors—rather than actual suspects involved in terrorist activities.
The broad definition of terrorism has led to severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. People are investigated or prosecuted for expressing their opinions, social media activity, or political participation—sometimes even for indirect links to organizations shut down under emergency decrees.
In 2024, the Human Rights Committee urged Turkey to revise its counter-terrorism laws—specifically Law No. 3713, Law No. 7262, and related Criminal Code articles. The focus is on narrowing definitions of terrorism to prevent misuse against civil society and lawful activities.
They also called for ensuring that suspects have legal safeguards from the moment of detention—access to legal representation, clear communication of charges, and fair trial standards. Respecting human rights is essential in the fight against terrorism.
Justice and human rights must go hand in hand. Only then can genuine peace and security be achieved.
Read more at https://jwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JWF-Report-A-Decade-After-the-Failed-Coup-Attempt-in-Turkiye-July-15-2016.pdf
