Since 2010, the International Day of Endangered Lawyers has been observed annually on January 24 by the “Coalition for Endangered Lawyers Day,” a network of national and international legal organizations and bar associations. This important day aims to highlight the challenges faced by lawyers in a specific country each year as they strive to carry out their professional duties. It also seeks to encourage action by government authorities, international organizations, civil society, the media, and the public. In 2025, the International Day of Endangered Lawyers is dedicated to the lawyers of Belarus.
Today, lawyers in Belarus face significant risks, especially when defending those who oppose the government’s authoritarian policies. Arbitrary license revocations, arrests, and disqualifications have made it nearly impossible for many lawyers to perform their duties. Between 2020 and 2024, criminal proceedings were initiated against at least 11 lawyers, six of whom were convicted and remain in pre-trial detention. Additionally, the professional licenses of at least 139 lawyers have been suspended, while hundreds more have either fled the country or abandoned the profession due to relentless pressure. There are grave concerns about the lack of fair trials for lawyers who have been convicted or are still undergoing judicial proceedings. This data represents only a fraction of the systemic oppression faced by lawyers in Belarus and highlights a broader global issue. Across the world, many lawyers continue to experience autocratic pressures and intimidation, often unreported or absent from official statistics.
This day serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role lawyers play in upholding justice and the independence of the legal system—not just for themselves, but for the people of Belarus. The international solidarity of lawyers in support of the rule of law strengthens not only the resilience of Belarusian lawyers in their difficult struggle but also the resolve of lawyers everywhere who fight for justice and human rights. Every lawyer silenced by oppressive regimes represents a blow to justice and equality. As an organization, Justice Uphold is committed to amplifying the voices of oppressed individuals worldwide. Together with our colleagues who endure human rights violations, we will continue to advocate for justice and freedom.
While our colleagues in Belarus face severe autocratic oppression, the situation is no different in Turkey today. Many lawyers in Turkey are struggling to carry out their duties under immense pressure, with several still imprisoned. According to a report published by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2018, 570 lawyers were arrested in Turkey by the end of 2017. Unfortunately, current figures remain unavailable, as the Ministry of Justice does not release updated information.
We hope that 2025 will be a year in which individuals worldwide—especially lawyers— can live freely and equally, without the shadow of injustice or oppression. Justice Uphold reaffirms its unwavering support for all lawyers under pressure in Belarus and stands in solidarity with them in their legal struggle.
Av. Fatih Özturan
