Before the chaotic night of July 15, over 5,000 judges and prosecutors who were unlawfully dismissed during the state of emergency (OHAL) filed lawsuits seeking reinstatement. In a recent ruling, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued another decision against Turkey. The ECHR found that the rights of 23 judges and prosecutors, who were unlawfully arrested after July 15, had been violated and ordered Turkey to pay €5,000 (approximately $5,500) in compensation to each individual.
Lawyer Kadir Öztürk announced on social media that a violation ruling had been issued for the 23 judges and prosecutors, including one of his clients.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Öztürk stated:
“Following the coup attempt, a total of 23 judges or prosecutors, including one of my clients, were unlawfully arrested in violation of their judicial guarantees. The ECHR ruled that their rights to liberty and security were violated and ordered compensation of €5,000 for each applicant.
“Recording of Prisoners’ Letters in UYAP Deemed a Violation”
Additionally, the ECHR addressed complaints from ten applicants, including three of Öztürk’s clients, who were detained in various penal institutions in Turkey at the time of the incidents. The court found that their letters, either sent or received, were unlawfully scanned and recorded in the National Judiciary Informatics System (UYAP) without any legal basis. This case was consolidated under the title Kurt (29715/19) and Others v. Turkey, leading to a violation ruling.
“Turkish Government to Deposit Compensation Within Three Months”
The ECHR also ruled that, regarding expenses and costs, only four of the ten applicants would receive €500 (approximately $550) in compensation, while the remaining claims were rejected. The Turkish government is required to deposit the ordered compensation into the relevant accounts within three months.
“Violation of Right to Communication Results in €9,750 Compensation”
Lastly, the ECHR ruled in favor of an applicant who was in prison at the time of the incidents. This case involved the review of documents exchanged between the applicant and their lawyer by a prison official. The court determined that the applicant’s right to respect for correspondence had been violated, ordering a total compensation of €9,750 (around $10,700).
