New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore has written to the President of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, expressing sympathy for the loss of Turkish lawyer Uygar Cosgun in the terrorist attack on the Ankara peace rally on on 10 October 2015.

Turkish Bar President Metin Feyzioğlu wrote to Mr Moore to advise of Mr Cosgun's death after bombs were set off at the rally.

"We believe that the most effective force of the state against terrorism is always to protect its own legitimacy in compliance with the law," Professor Feyzioğlu said. "The solution lies in the need to embrace the principles of democracy and the state of law."

He also emphasised that the attacks would not overshadow the Union of Turkish Bar Associations' attitude towards justice, democracy and human rights.

"In this sense, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations will do its utmost as it has always done without the fear of anyone in order to enable our 77 million of citizens to meet at a common point based on [these] principles."

Mr Moore's reply says there is a common bond between lawyers around the world and the New Zealand Law Society is saddened with the news of Mr Cosgun's death.

"The New Zealand Law Society fully supports the Union of Turkish Bar Associations in upholding the principle that the rule of law is paramount. Like your organisation we believe that no-one is above the law and that a free society is one where anyone has the right to challenge decisions and actions of the government, officials and other agencies through the courts," he says.

"New Zealand's legal profession applauds the resolve and courage of Turkish lawyers in standing up to protect and promote the rule of law and democracy. We are on the other side of the world, but we will ensure your letter and Mr Cosgun's loss is brought to the attention of New Zealand lawyers."

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