🗓 Sept. 18–19: The world must not look away. #GirlsTrial #Turkey #KızÇocuklarıDavası #Türkiye #FoRB #FaithUnchained #ReligiousFreedom #HumanRights @washingtonpost @nytimes @LantosFndn @silencedturkey @OthersInfo @rumiforum

Full Update on the “Girls’ Trial” in Turkey – July 18, 2025: Today’s hearing was expected to conclude with a final verdict, but was derailed when the presiding judge abruptly withdrew. A substitute and external judge were hastily appointed, prompting strong objections from defense attorneys over serious procedural violations. Most lawyers refused to present final defenses under these conditions, and many defendants followed suit. Meanwhile, the prosecutor repeatedly left and re-entered the courtroom—violating protocol and further casting doubt on the legitimacy of the proceedings. These 41 women—on trial for peaceful religious acts like Qur’an study, prayer, and hosting faith gatherings—must now wait until Sept 18–19 for a possible verdict. We’re especially grateful to @rebecca_cataldi (@ICRD_NGO) and @AndreaJilBarron (@TASSCintl) for attending the hearing in Istanbul to monitor the trial and stand in solidarity. Nearly 400 faith leaders, NGOs, and scholars have signed a multi-faith letter calling for full acquittal, condemnation of Turkey’s misuse of anti-terror laws, and international monitoring. Global attention and sustained pressure are more vital than ever. 🔗 irfroundtable.org/advocacy/t… We urge @StateDept @SenRubioPress @StateIRF @USCIRF to stay engaged and continue to speak out. #FoRB #FaithUnchained #ReligiousFreedom #HumanRights #GirlsTrial #Turkey #Türkiye #KızÇocuklarıDavası @LantosFndn @ADFIntl @articleeighteen @RFInstitute @washingtonpost @nytimes