Brussels Law Office's new report, “The Issue Of Impartiality In Terms Used In The Judicial Process” examines the accusatory and prejudicial terminology used in investigations and criminal proceedings in Türkiye, particularly in cases involving individuals alleged to be associated with the Gülen Movement. Drawing on concrete examples from police records, prosecution documents, judicial decisions and hearing transcripts, the report demonstrates how language implying guilt is systematically used against individuals who have not been convicted by a final court judgment. The report also documents concerns that neutral expressions used by suspects, defendants and lawyers may be altered in official records and replaced with accusatory terminology. According to the report, pressure to adopt an officially imposed narrative undermines the rights of the defence, freedom of expression, legal certainty and the principle of…

This report examines, from a rule of law perspective, the threat narrative that has become increasingly entrenched in Türkiye since 15 July 2016, the large-scale criminal investigations conducted during this period, and the resulting human rights concerns. The study focuses in particular on the latest operation launched on 13 July 2026 against 968 people in 81 provinces, assessing it as a recent example of the pattern of mass investigations and prosecutions pursued over the past decade. The report analyses key concerns including arbitrary arrest, detention and imprisonment; violations of the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence; the broad and unpredictable application of counter-terrorism legislation; the retrospective use of lawful activities as incriminating evidence; and the failure to conduct individualised assessments. It also draws attention to the…