PLAQUE CEREMONY FOR LONG-TERM PRACTITIONERS IN LEGAL PROFESSION

Our 796 colleagues having practiced for 25,30 and 35 years in profession were granted their plaques in a ceremony organized on the occasion of the 135th Anniversary of Istanbul Bar Association and April 5 Lawyers’ Day on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

In his opening address,  Atty. Assoc. Prof. Ümit Kocasakal, President of Istanbul Bar Association indicated that the honorable struggle given Istanbul Bar Association has created a tremendous impression within the society and this made the bar association “a hope for the society”.  

Indicating that the celebration of the anniversary of Istanbul Bar Association and April 5 the Lawyers’ Day has become more bittersweet than in last year, but they wish they could celebrate today in a festive mood, Kocasakal informed that April 5 should be regarded as a “Day of Struggle and Resistance” just like May 1, rather than a festivity due to the mounting attacks towards the lawyers, honor of the profession and the bar associations being the organized power of the lawyers, ostracizing of lawyers from the courthouses, arrests of the lawyers performing their profession with their “alleged membership to an organization” without any concrete grounds, their being exposed to torture, search in the domiciles and offices of the lawyers through breaking-in and the investigations they undergo.

Kocasakal highlighted that they will exercise any legal right and power granted to them in order to safuguard the honor of the profession and the bar association, and he rendered detailed information about the case brought against the President and Board Member of Istanbul Bar Association as well as the ongoing investigations. He underlined that they are ready to pay any price, if required.

President Kocasakal indicated that they have always been against all civilian and military coups, they give a legal struggle against the coups, at the end of which they always win.

President’s speech was frequently interrupted by the intermittent applauses. Once he concluded his words, audience in the hall stood up and applauded him for minutes. Then, the plaque ceremony was given a start.  

454 attorneys having practised for 25 years, 190 for 30 years and 125 for 35 years were presented with their plaques. Turkish Art Music Chorus of Istanbul Bar Association gave a mini-concert during the lunch break.

Please click here for the photos.