Turkish Lawyer Detained in Mozambique Denied Legal Counsel Access
Emre Çınar, a Turkish lawyer, has been detained in Mozambique since December 30, following an extradition request from Turkey. He is accused of having alleged connections to the Gülen movement, a faith-based group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkish authorities.
Denial of Legal Counsel
Rights groups, including the Stockholm Center for Freedom, are raising concerns about Çınar’s treatment in custody. Since his arrest, he has been denied access to both his legal counsel and family members. There has been no information released regarding whether he has appeared before a judge or if any judicial orders have been issued concerning his detention or extradition.
- Detained since: December 30, 2023
- Location of detention: Mozambique
- Legal representative for: Willow International School in Mozambique
Call for Accountability
The Universal Rights Association has urged Mozambican authorities to allow Çınar to meet with legal representation and family. They demand transparency about any judicial decisions affecting his case. Furthermore, they insist the detention process must align with international human rights standards.
Background and Context
Çınar fled Turkey in 2017 due to political pressures. Notably, during his visit to Mozambique that same year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan publicly called for sanctions against Çınar and other Turkish nationals linked to the Gülen movement. This call included demands for the closure of the Willow International School.
Erdoğan has been instrumental in targeting Gülen movement supporters since a corruption investigation in December 2013 implicated him and individuals close to him. He has labeled the movement a terrorist organization since May 2016 and intensified crackdowns in response to a failed coup that year, which he attributed to Gülen.
Concerns Over Extradition Risks
Human rights advocates highlight that Çınar risks persecution if extradited to Turkey. They have appealed to international organizations, including the United Nations, for intervention. Under international laws, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, individuals should not be returned to places where they face threats to their safety.
Since the attempted coup in Turkey, many Turkish nationals abroad have faced various forms of intimidation and harassment from the government. Reports indicate that the Turkish government employs tactics such as surveillance and illegal renditions to target dissidents globally.
International Response
There have been urgent calls from human rights organizations for a global response to Çınar’s situation. They emphasize the importance of adhering to due process and protecting the rights of individuals detained under contentious circumstances.
