National Council on Civil Advocacy

National Council on Civil Advocacy Advocating for the improvement of human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and rule of law in Turkey

NCCA seeks to promote and advocate for the improvement of human rights, democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law in Turkey, to help protect Turkish-Americans from transnational repression, and to help raise the significance of human rights concerns in U.S.-Turkey relations.

Press Freedom Report Reveals Rising Use of Pretrial Detention Against Journalists in Türkiye A new press freedom report ...
06/01/2026

Press Freedom Report Reveals Rising Use of Pretrial Detention Against Journalists in Türkiye

A new press freedom report has documented a troubling increase in the arrest and detention of journalists in Türkiye, highlighting the growing use of pretrial detention as a tool against members of the media. According to the report, 29 journalists were arrested in 2025, with many facing detention while awaiting trial.

The findings point to a broader pattern of judicial measures targeting journalists covering politically sensitive topics and issues of public interest. Press freedom advocates have long argued that lengthy pretrial detention can function as a form of punishment, even before a verdict is reached.

The report raises serious concerns about freedom of expression, media independence, and the ability of journalists to carry out their work without fear of arrest or legal retaliation. Observers warn that the continued use of detention against media professionals undermines democratic accountability, public access to information, and the rule of law.

🔗 Read more:
https://loom.ly/mEhmQYw

New Report Warns of Judicial Capture and Erosion of Rule of Law in TürkiyeA newly released report alleges that Türkiye’s...
06/01/2026

New Report Warns of Judicial Capture and Erosion of Rule of Law in Türkiye

A newly released report alleges that Türkiye’s judiciary has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from an independent institution into a mechanism of political control under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The report examines years of structural changes to judicial institutions, appointment processes, and disciplinary mechanisms that critics say have weakened judicial independence.

According to the findings, courts have increasingly been used to target opposition figures, journalists, civil society actors, and individuals associated with the Hizmet Movement. The report argues that these developments have undermined the separation of powers and diminished public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system.

The findings raise serious concerns about the state of judicial independence, due process, and fair trial guarantees in Türkiye. As legal institutions face growing political influence, observers warn that the erosion of the rule of law continues to have far-reaching consequences for democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.

🔗 Read more:
https://loom.ly/mm1J1WE

PACE Rapporteurs Warn Against Silencing Türkiye’s OppositionRapporteurs from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council o...
06/01/2026

PACE Rapporteurs Warn Against Silencing Türkiye’s Opposition

Rapporteurs from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) have expressed concern over increasing legal and judicial pressure on opposition politicians, mayors, and political parties in Türkiye. They emphasized that democratic societies depend on the ability of opposition parties to operate freely and participate fully in public life.

The statement comes amid a series of investigations, prosecutions, and legal actions targeting opposition figures and institutions. The rapporteurs warned that opposition voices must not be silenced through force, judicial measures, or political pressure.

The developments have intensified concerns about political pluralism, democratic governance, and the independence of judicial institutions in Türkiye. International observers continue to stress that safeguarding political participation and the rule of law is essential for maintaining democratic accountability and public trust.

🔗 Read more:
https://loom.ly/B0Fo7SA

Children Should Never Grow Up Behind Prison WallsThe situation of children living in prison alongside their mothers in T...
05/26/2026

Children Should Never Grow Up Behind Prison Walls

The situation of children living in prison alongside their mothers in Türkiye has drawn growing international attention, including recent coverage in German media that has renewed focus on a serious human rights concern.

Reports indicate that 891 children between the ages of 0–6 are currently living in Turkish prisons with their mothers. These children, having committed no crime, are spending some of the most critical years of their development in prison environments.

The reporting also notes that more than 20,000 women are currently imprisoned in Türkiye, raising broader questions about the long-term impact of incarceration policies on families and children.

Children should never bear the consequences of circumstances beyond their control. The welfare, dignity, and fundamental rights of children must remain protected under all circumstances.

🔗 Source:
https://loom.ly/xew6650

Families Continue to Seek Justice Nearly a Decade After Post-Coup PurgesNearly a decade after Türkiye’s post-2016 purges...
05/26/2026

Families Continue to Seek Justice Nearly a Decade After Post-Coup Purges

Nearly a decade after Türkiye’s post-2016 purges, families of dismissed, imprisoned, and persecuted individuals continue to call for justice and accountability for the long-term consequences they say have shaped their lives.

According to reports, many families continue to face social, economic, and legal hardships linked to post-coup measures. Their experiences point to lasting impacts extending beyond those directly prosecuted and affecting broader family and community structures.

The ongoing calls for justice highlight broader concerns regarding access to effective remedies and accountability mechanisms, while underscoring the long-term human consequences of prolonged emergency-era measures and post-coup prosecutions.

The case further raises continuing concerns over due process, fair trial guarantees, and the rule of law, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring that human rights protections remain central to justice and reconciliation efforts.

Read more:
https://loom.ly/7_bImCo

PACE Warns Against Silencing Political Opposition in TürkiyeRapporteurs from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council o...
05/26/2026

PACE Warns Against Silencing Political Opposition in Türkiye

Rapporteurs from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) have warned that Türkiye’s opposition must not be silenced through force or judicial measures amid growing concerns over recent political developments.

The statement comes as scrutiny intensifies over investigations, detentions, and legal actions targeting opposition figures and institutions. The rapporteurs emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic participation and preserving political pluralism.

The warning raises broader concerns regarding the use of legal and institutional mechanisms against opposition actors and highlights questions surrounding the protection of political freedoms and democratic processes.

The developments further underscore ongoing concerns over judicial independence, the rule of law, and democratic accountability, while reinforcing the importance of ensuring that political participation remains protected within democratic systems.

Read more:
https://loom.ly/6v2uu0s

hashtag

On this Memorial Day, the National Council on Civil Advocacy honors the courageous men and women who made the ultimate s...
05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, the National Council on Civil Advocacy honors the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Their legacy reminds us that freedom carries responsibility, and that the values of dignity, unity, and civic commitment must continue to guide us as we build stronger communities together.

Today, we remember with gratitude and honor with respect.

KHK-dismissed former court clerk Mehmet Parlak was arrested on May 31, 2022, with his only remaining kidney functioning ...
05/25/2026

KHK-dismissed former court clerk Mehmet Parlak was arrested on May 31, 2022, with his only remaining kidney functioning at 35% capacity. Today, that figure has reportedly fallen to 15%, bringing him dangerously close to kidney failure and dialysis.

Reports indicate that his condition, which remained stable for years after his kidney transplant, deteriorated significantly during imprisonment, raising serious concerns regarding medical neglect and inadequate healthcare conditions in prison.

Parlak, who has been imprisoned since May 31, 2022, despite living with a chronic kidney condition, has also reportedly been denied the implementation of his supervised release eligibility, which he became entitled to in January 2026.

The deterioration of a prisoner’s health while in state custody raises profound concerns regarding the right to life, access to adequate healthcare, and the obligation to protect human dignity.

Human-rights protections and legal safeguards exist for moments such as these.

MehmetParlak AcilTahliye

New Detentions of Public Officials Renew Due Process Concerns in TürkiyeTurkish authorities have reportedly detained 24 ...
05/25/2026

New Detentions of Public Officials Renew Due Process Concerns in Türkiye

Turkish authorities have reportedly detained 24 individuals, including seven public officials, in operations linked to alleged ties to the Hizmet Movement.

The detentions were carried out across multiple provinces as part of ongoing investigations involving public employees and individuals accused of maintaining organizational connections. Similar operations have continued to take place regularly in Türkiye in the years following the 2016 coup attempt.

The latest actions raise broader concerns regarding recurring mass detention practices and the continued use of terrorism-related allegations in politically sensitive cases. Human rights organizations and observers have repeatedly highlighted concerns over evidentiary standards, due process protections, and fair trial guarantees.

The developments further underscore ongoing concerns surrounding post-coup prosecutions and their impact on civil servants, institutional independence, and the rule of law in Türkiye.

🔗 Read More:
https://loom.ly/_MABTCc

International Criticism Grows Over CHP Leadership DecisionA Turkish court’s reported decision to remove the leadership o...
05/25/2026

International Criticism Grows Over CHP Leadership Decision

A Turkish court’s reported decision to remove the leadership of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has drawn international criticism and renewed concerns regarding democratic governance in Türkiye.

The ruling has prompted reactions from international observers and rights advocates, who argue that judicial intervention in the internal affairs of a major political party may have significant implications for political representation and democratic processes.

The developments raise broader concerns regarding judicial independence and political pluralism, while highlighting questions about the role of legal mechanisms in politically sensitive matters. Observers continue to stress the importance of maintaining institutional neutrality and preserving democratic safeguards.

The case further underscores ongoing concerns related to the rule of law, democratic accountability, and the functioning of political institutions, while emphasizing the need to protect electoral integrity and public confidence in democratic processes.

🔗 Read More:
https://loom.ly/PEcl7fw

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