We are a nation of laws, a country that reveres some basic principles of justice, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
Some lawyers claim their extensive use of preventative detentions and plea bargains rides roughshod over fundamental civil rights, including the presumption of innocence.
"We continue to urge the Turkish authorities to uphold international standards with regard to the rule of law, including the presumption of innocence, and to protect fundamental rights including freedom of expression and assembly," he said.
Deborah Prince, a legal expert at Which? a consumer group, says a new law will not add much unless it includes the presumption that those with grievances are in until they opt out.
"It creates a parallel system of justice to the traditional criminal court system, initially with all the credibility of a court, but without any of the protections that have been built up around the court system over many generations, including the presumption of innocence, the high standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt, and the privilege against self- incrimination," the ROLI submission said.
IPA director of policy Simon Breheny told the committee "the defining features of state anti-corruption agencies are the systematic breach of fundamental legal rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to silence; a lack of transparency and oversight; and a disregard for the process and procedures adhered to by ordinary courts, including the rules of evidence".
Travelers should also know that: Although the government does not generally harass tourists, should foreigners fall afoul of the authorities for any reason, they will find that they will not, in all likelihood, enjoy the same legal protections and rights afforded to them in their native countries, including the presumption of innocence, habeas corpus and the right to a speedy and fair trial.
"In some countries, nonviolent activities have been considered as terrorism, and excessive measures have been taken to suppress or restrict individual rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, freedom from torture, privacy rights, freedom of expression and assembly, and the right to seek asylum".
