Understandably we tend to focus our attention on the strengths and weaknesses of our own system of justice. But to fully appreciate what the United State & Canadian justice systems have understand what other nations don’t have gives us perspective.

In a quest for a fair trial, Adv. Ebru Timtik has passed away on the 238th day of her death fast in detention ward of Istanbul Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital.

Imprisoned lawyers Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal from the Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) in Turkey started a hunger strike action on 3 February 2020, in protest of the long jail sentences they have been sentenced to for “membership of a terrorist organisation”. On 5 April 2020, Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal turned their hunger strike into a ‘death fast’ in protest of the long jail sentences they have been sentenced to. They are asking for their appeals to be considered by the Court of Cassation immediately.

On 30 July 2020, the İstanbul Forensic Medicine Institution concluded that  health condition of Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal was not suitable to remain in prison. Despite the medical report, Istanbul Court dismissed a request for their release and ordered them to be taken to a hospital detention ward instead. 

Unfortunately on the 238th day of her death-fast Ebru Timtik has passed away while her appeal is pending before the Court of Cassation. Despite the calls by hundreds of lawyers across the world, the Turkish Court of Cassation has made their appeals waiting. 

Aytaç Ünsal’s condition remains critical.