THE LAW MUST BE FOLLOWED: LAWYER AYTAC UNSAL MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY!

Our colleague from Turkey, lawyer Aytaç Unsal, along with his colleague Ebru Timtik, started a death fast in order to demand a fair trial. Both, along with other lawyers in Turkey, have been subjected to ongoing persecution for their activities as lawyers. Aytac Unsal was released on day 215 of his death fast, September 3, 2020, after the death of Ebru Timtik, by the Supreme Court due to the fact that his health would be harmed by remaining inside prison conditions. Therefore, the execution of his sentence was postponed “until he recovered" and his health was restored.

However, our colleague Aytaç Unsal was detained again while his medical treatment was continuing, that is, before he had recovered. In violation of the law, the decision to postpone the execution issued by the Supreme Court was lifted, and he was jailed again.

This decision is contrary to the existing domestic law in Turkey as well as to binding provisions of customary international law and the treaties and covenants that Turkey has ratified.

Our colleague Aytaç Ünsal has severe health problems due to the effects of his long-term hunger strike. Aytaç Unsal is currently being held in isolation in the (high security) Edirne F-Type Prison, his treatment is blocked, and mandatory medications are not being provided to him for his treatment, further endangering his health.

Our colleague Aytaç Unsal's health is not suitable to remaining in prison conditions. In addition, it is not possible for his treatment to be carried out in prison conditions. For this reason, we are concerned about the life of our colleague, and we demand that the Turkish authorities immediately abide by applicable law and release our colleague.