The ECtHR Judgment Is Not Being Implemented
Waiting for justice for 674 days
On 26 September 2023, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey had violated Yüksel Yalçınkaya’s right to a fair trial, the principle of “no punishment without law,” and the freedom of assembly and association. The judgment has still not been implemented. On the contrary, Yalçınkaya was retried in Kayseri and was re-convicted based on the same charges and demands put forward by the prosecutor. This platform was created to share developments regarding the implementation of the judgment, ongoing human rights violations, and other key information with the public.
Yüksel Yalçınkaya Judgment Monitoring Platform
Current Situation
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers expects information and steps from Turkey on the implementation of the Yüksel Yalçınkaya judgment by the end of June 2026.
Why Is the Yüksel Yalçınkaya Judgment Important?
On 26 September 2023 the European Court of Human Rights held, in Yüksel Yalçınkaya’s case, that Turkey had violated Article 6 (right to a fair trial), Article 7 (no punishment without law) and Article 11 (freedom of assembly and association). The judgment explicitly states that the use of ByLock, transactions at Bank Asya and membership of certain unions or associations cannot by themselves constitute sufficient evidence of membership of a terrorist organisation.
This landmark judgment affects not only Yalçınkaya but also thousands of people facing similar accusations. Turkey is obliged under international law to comply with and implement the judgment. Yet, although 674 days have passed, no concrete action has been taken.