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Turkey's Justice Minister criticizes EU Parliament's proposed sanctions list

Turkey's Justice Minister criticizes EU Parliament's proposed sanctions list

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Turkey's Justice Minister, Akın Gürlek, criticized a proposal to place his name on a European Parliament sanctions list.
  • He stated that such politically motivated actions by some European Parliament circles damage the credibility of the institutions involved.
  • Gürlek emphasized that Turkey prioritizes the will of its nation and the decisions of its independent courts.

Turkey's Justice Minister, Akın Gürlek, has strongly condemned a proposal within the European Parliament to include his name on a sanctions list, citing alleged human rights violations. The proposal is set to be voted on by the Parliament's General Assembly.

Gürlek described the move as politically motivated, suggesting it is fueled by certain factions within the European Parliament. He argued that such actions undermine the credibility of the institutions and individuals advocating for them. "This politically motivated approach, fueled by some circles in the European Parliament, damages the credibility of the institutions these individuals represent," Gürlek stated.

This politically motivated approach, fueled by some circles in the European Parliament, damages the credibility of the institutions these individuals represent.

— Akın GürlekResponding to the proposal to include his name on a European Parliament sanctions list.

He asserted that Turkey's primary focus remains on the judgment of its own people and the rulings of its independent judiciary. "For us, what matters is the conscience of our great nation and the decisions of independent Turkish courts," the minister declared, rejecting the external scrutiny.

The minister's remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Turkey and some European bodies regarding human rights and judicial matters. The proposed sanctions reflect a critical stance from parts of the European Parliament concerning Turkey's domestic policies and legal system.

For us, what matters is the conscience of our great nation and the decisions of independent Turkish courts.

— Akın GürlekStating Turkey's priorities in the face of international scrutiny.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.