Justice Uphold Law and Human Rights Platform - Switzerland

The Grand Chamber judgment of the ECtHR dated 5 May 2026 in Yasak v. Turkey constitutes a highly significant turning point for criminal proceedings conducted after 15 July. The Court found that the most fundamental principle of criminal law was violated in the applicant’s conviction for membership in an armed terrorist organization: a person cannot be punished without their personal culpability and criminal intent being concretely established.

Justice continues to be our common hope and responsibility.

In a country where lawyers are not free, no one is safe.

10 July, World Law Day, should be a day for all of us, not just lawyers or judges. Because where there is law, there is peace; where there is law, there is equality.

Torture should not be sought only in cells; sometimes it echoes in the silent halls of justice.

We had become characters in one of those lives that change overnight, as we had seen in films.

It is our collective responsibility to fight for a world where our differences do not divide us but enrich us.

Hate speech is not just harsh words spoken loudly or explicit threats. Sometimes it hides behind a joke, sometimes behind a news headline.

The right to a fair trial is not only the cornerstone of court proceedings but also of a free and equal society.