Melisa Kurter

Ms. Melisa Kurter is a highly qualified legal professional specializing in defending clients in complex international cases, including challenging INTERPOL notices and extradition proceedings. Her profound knowledge of international criminal law and human rights makes her an indispensable advocate for individuals facing transnational prosecution.

The foundations of her legal expertise were laid with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Marmara University, Türkiye. Seeking to deepen her knowledge, she earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in Italy, and the United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica. This unique educational background provided her with a comprehensive understanding of international justice mechanisms.

Ms. Kurter’s practical experience includes serving as a Legal Trainee at the Office of the Prosecutor at the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the successor to the ICTY, in The Hague. There, she made significant contributions to war crimes investigations and litigation analysis, gaining invaluable experience within one of the most influential international judicial bodies. Her work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), where she focused on policy analysis for the inclusion of vulnerable groups, further strengthened her commitment to human rights advocacy. Her earlier experience at reputable law firms in Istanbul, handling criminal litigation as well as maritime and environmental crimes, sharpened her skills as a litigator and client advocate at the national level.