Dear Colleagues,
We received yesterday a message from one of the very many colleagues who are still unlawfully detained in Turkish prisons, for the simple “crime” of having kept their backbones upright and defended judicial independence, as well as the dignity of their—of our!—profession.
We thought it would be essential for all of us, in such difficult times, to share this voice coming “de profundis”: may it be of help and comfort when we feel tired and discouraged, to think about the strength and the ideals of our courageous Turkish colleagues, our brothers and sisters in the great judicial world community.
For evident reasons we are not disclosing the colleague’s name and the location of the prison: it is enough to know that this dreadful experience is being shared for years by so many innocent State servants in Turkey.
You may contact our Secretariat-General (secretariat@iaj-uim.org) in order to get information on how to contribute and provide financial help through our Provident Fund.
“I wish a new year filled with joy, peace and, above all, health and well-being to the dear delegates of the IAJ and its esteemed administration.
For our friends, taken from us by the corona pandemic, I wish them a rest in peace, I offer my condolences to their relatives and friends. I also send my best wishes for a quick recovery for those who are not yet healed.
I want you to know that my best wishes and sincere prayers during my years in prison are for you, my friends.
I offer my love and respect to my faithful colleagues, hoping to meet you very soon face to face, just like in the good old days.
December 2020, Turkish Prison.”
Thank you for your attention
Best regards
Giacomo Oberto
Secretary-General of the IAJ