Turkey entered a significant judicial confrontation on 11 January 2018 after its Constitutional Court ruled that the pre-trial detention of journalists Mehmet Altan and Şahin Alpay had violated fundamental rights.
The two writers had been imprisoned amid the sweeping investigations that followed the failed coup of July 2016. Both denied allegations linking them to terrorist organisations or an attempt to overthrow the government. The Constitutional Court found violations involving liberty and freedom of expression and indicated that the journalists should be released.
Lower criminal courts, however, declined to implement the decision immediately. Their refusal raised a constitutional question extending far beyond the two cases: whether ordinary courts were bound by judgments of Turkey’s highest constitutional authority. Press-freedom organisations warned that disregarding the ruling weakened legal certainty and judicial hierarchy.
The dispute also attracted European scrutiny. The European Court of Human Rights later examined both detentions and issued judgments in March 2018. The January standoff became an emblematic episode in the debate over judicial independence and media freedom during Turkey’s post-coup state of emergency.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
