Under Turkish law, the right of foreign lawyers to visit convicted prisoners in Turkey is governed by Article 25 of the Regulation on Visits in Penal Institutions (T/H Ziyaret Edilmeleri Hakkında Yönetmelik). This provision plays a vital role in facilitating cross-border legal cooperation and ensuring access to justice, especially in cases involving international or foreign proceedings.

1. Legal Framework for Foreign Lawyer Visits

According to Article 25, foreign lawyers may meet with Turkish or foreign prisoners under the following conditions:

• The meeting must relate to ongoing or planned legal proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction or before international judicial bodies.

• A power of attorney (vekâletname) must be presented, authorizing the lawyer to represent the prisoner in the relevant legal matter.

• If the foreign lawyer does not have a power of attorney, they can still meet the prisoner—but only in the presence of a Turkish lawyer who is registered with a Turkish bar association.

These meetings are limited strictly to the subject matter of the foreign investigation, prosecution, or legal proceeding.

2. Applications to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)

Special conditions apply for prisoners intending to apply or who have already applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). They may consult with lawyers authorized to practice in Turkey, provided that:

• The meeting concerns the legal proceedings before the ECtHR, and

• Relevant documents and their translations are submitted to the chief administrator of the prison in advance.

3. Our Legal Assistance to Foreign Lawyers

As a licensed Turkish law firm, we provide legal services to foreign lawyers and international clients who need to meet with prisoners in Turkey. Our services include:

• Coordinating the prison visit in compliance with Turkish law and prison regulations,

• Accompanying foreign lawyers during the meeting when required (especially if no power of attorney is presented),

• Assisting in the preparation and submission of official documents to prison authorities,

• Providing legal interpretation, translation, and procedural support,

• Representing foreign clients or their lawyers before Turkish authorities when necessary.

Whether the matter involves international criminal proceedings, extradition, or human rights cases before the ECtHR, our team is ready to ensure compliance and facilitate access.

4. Commitment to International Legal Cooperation

Our firm is committed to protecting the right to legal representation and ensuring that international legal cooperation is conducted smoothly and lawfully. We understand the sensitivities of such meetings and guide our foreign colleagues through the administrative and legal procedures required by Turkish authorities.