The Law Society has condemned the mass arrest of more than 50 lawyers in Istanbul.

The lawyers were taking part in a protest inside the Çağlayan Court, near Taksim Square, when they were arrested, detained and reportedly beaten by the police, the Society said.

The lawyers’ arrest coincides with reports of widespread protests and police brutality in Turkey, whose prime minister yesterday pledged to crush a wave of anti-government protests.

Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, Society president, said: ‘A trend appears to be emerging in Turkey with regards to the persecution of lawyers carrying out their legitimate duties. This trend is deeply worrying.

‘We are aware that in the last year, more than 60 lawyers have been arrested in Turkey. This suggests that judicial harassment against lawyers has became large-scale and systematic.’