New York, December 3, 2024 – The “Case of the Minor Girls” trial, held from September 23 to 27, 2024, at the İstanbul 24th High Criminal Court, has drawn international scrutiny to Türkiye’s judicial practices. The case involves 41 defendants—37 women and 4 men—charged under Article 314-2 of the Turkish Penal Code for alleged membership in an armed terrorist organization. Among the defendants are minors aged 13 to 17, whose treatment raises significant concerns about human rights violations and judicial independence.
Minors were apprehended during early morning raids, held for up to 16 hours without access to legal counsel or their families, and coerced into signing false statements. These actions violate both domestic and international laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The indictment relies heavily on unverified police reports and criminalizes everyday activities such as using messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, undermining the credibility of anti-terrorism laws and infringing on fundamental freedoms.
Defense attorneys faced substantial challenges, including overcrowded courtrooms and hostile questioning by the presiding judge, which compromised their ability to provide an effective defense. Eight defendants remain in custody without individualized reasoning, relying instead on formulaic justifications previously condemned by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
Professor Antonio Stango, President of the Italian Federation for Human Rights, attended the trial’s first hearing as an observer and prepared a detailed report analyzing the case. 1 The report describes systemic flaws within Türkiye’s judiciary, which has faced growing international criticism since the failed coup attempt in 2016. It highlights the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to target minors and vulnerable groups, revealing an alarming overreach of state power.
The report also cites findings from the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, where Türkiye ranks:
- 128th for criminal system impartiality.
- 133rd for fundamental rights.
- 138th for a criminal system free from improper government influence.
These rankings underscore the urgent need for judicial reforms and adherence to international human rights standards.
As Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST), we call on the international community to act decisively:
- Continue observing the trial to document rights violations.
- Engage with Türkiye to ensure compliance with its international obligations.
- Advocate for judicial independence and the protection of minors’ rights.
The next phase of the trial is scheduled for December 13, 2024. AST urges human rights organizations, journalists, and policymakers to remain vigilant in monitoring these proceedings and advocating for justice.
Sincerely,
Hafza Girdap
Spokesperson & Program Director
www.silencedturkey.org
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