Case No Country TUR 4/2013 14/08/2013 Turkey JUA Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Arbitrary detention; Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Terrorism; 13/03/2014 Alleged attacks against the independence of the legal profession, in particular the 05/05/2014 alleged arrest, detention and launching of criminal proceedings against lawyers in the context of antiterrorism operations. According to information received, in November 2011, 47 lawyers, three law office employees and one journalist were allegedly arrested in Turkey in the scope of an operation aimed at dismantling a supposed terrorist network. The lawyers were reportedly taken into custody in Istanbul for allegedly being “members” or “executives” of the “illegal organization” Kurdish Communities Union (KCK) and for acting as “messengers” for the elaboration of the organization’s strategies. Concerns are expressed that the arrests, charges and criminal proceedings brought against the lawyers are mainly linked to the contacts they had with their clients within the scope of their professional duties and the legitimate exercise of their profession. Similar concerns were expressed in two previous urgent appeals in 2011 and 2012 (A/HRC/19/44 and A/HRC/20/30). USA 13/2013 Torture; 20/08/2013 United States of UA America Reply Alleged excessive use and practices of prolonged solitary confinement, poor conditions 18/07/2014 of detention and retaliatory measures. According to the information received, from 8 July 2013, hundreds of prisoners in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation have been conducting a hunger strike in protest of being placed in solitary confinement and denied certain basic necessities. Allegedly, the protest is in response to inaction by prison officials after a negotiated agreement after a 20-day hunger strike in July 2011. The prisoners are protesting against being subjected to solitary confinement for over 22 hours a day, some prisoners have been enduring isolation for decades, with inadequate food rations and quality, and overly restrictive policies regarding hobby materials and family visits. Reportedly, there are concerns regarding retaliation against the strikers, by further restricting family visits and denying any opportunity to contact family over the phone. Reportedly, there are also threats being made by the Corrections Secretary to obtain a court order to begin force feeding the prisoners. A/HRC/27/72 80 Date Type