Camera at the Lawyer-Client Meetings

Lawyers objected to the cameras placed at Ankara Sincan No.1 F-Type Prison in order to record their client meetings. They expressed such a practice had no legal or judicial basis.

Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) Ankara Branch filed a criminal complaint against warden Celalettin Konca, prison authorities and the staff.

"The cameras are placed and activated on March to record our client meetings and this is violation of the right for defense" wrote lawyers of ÇHD.

"Moreover, even though there are many appeals to Ankara Bar Association and Union of Turkish Bar Associations, no concrete steps are taken. All institutions are invited to an effective struggle."

They also reminded Article 59 of Law No. 5275, The Law On The Execution Of Penalties And Security Measures, "Meetings with a lawyer or a notary shall take place upon presentation of professional identification papers, outside holidays and within business hours, in places allocated for this purpose, out of hearing but within sight for security reasons" at their criminal complaint.

Article 8 of "Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers" also took place at the letter of application:

"All arrested, detained or imprisoned persons shall be provided with adequate opportunities, time and facilities to be visited by and to communicate and consult with a lawyer, without delay, interception or censorship and in full confidentiality. Such consultations may be within sight, but not within the hearing, of law enforcement officials."

At the criminal report, it's also underlined that lawyer-client meetings cannot be listened in any way under national and international regulations.

"The right of defense is restricted"

"High security measures are already taken for both lawyers and prisoners; the meetings are watched by warden. On top of these, the placement of cameras just serves to restrict the right of defense"

ÇHD demanded warden Konca and the prison authorities to be charged with "professional misconduct and prevention of performance" crimes at their appeal to Public Prosecutor of Ankara.  (AS)