29 December 2022
HRFT is writing to update the Urgent Call on 26 October 2022, the Update on 27 October 2022, and the Update on 23 December 2022.
After her second hearing today, 29 December 2022, judicial harassment and arrest of Şebnem Korur Fincancı continues.
Description of the Situation:
As explained in detail the Urgent Call on 26 October, the Update on 27 October 2022, and the Update on 23 December 2022. Şebnem Korur Fincancı is facing arbitrary arrest and judicial harassment for her human rights advocacy.
The second hearing for Şebnem’s case was held today, 29 December 2022. The prosecutor reiterated their final opinion, requesting the conviction of Şebnem. Şebnem and her attorneys delivered their statements. Consequently, Istanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court decided for the continuation of the pre-trial detention, and scheduled the next hearing on 11 January, at 10.00 am.
HRFT is certain that Şebnem will be released and acquitted from these trumped-up charges as soon as possible. Our hope is very much based on the international solidarity you showed every time. Once again, we thank you for that.
We will update you with further details on Şebnem’s case.
Actions Requested:
HRFT urgently invite you to support this call and take action in respect of the authorities of Turkey to:
- Release Şebnem Korur Fincancı immediately and unconditionally, as her arrest only aims to sanction her legitimate human rights activities;
- Guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Şebnem Korur Fincancı;
- Put an end to all acts of harassment, including at the judicial level against Şebnem Korur Fincancı, and ensure in all circumstances that she is able to carry out her legitimate activities without any hindrance and fear of reprisals, as well as against Turkish Medical Association and all the members of the organisation;
- Conform to the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 9, 1998, in particular with Articles 1, 6 and 12.2; the European Convention on Human Rights; and the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)11 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the need to strengthen the protection and promotion of civil society space in Europe.
Metin Bakkalcı
Chairperson of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT)