Turkey's Justice Minister Rejects EU Parliament Rapporteur's Criticism of Judiciary

Turkey's Justice Minister, Akın Gürlek, has strongly refuted criticisms from Nacho Sánchez Amor, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey. Amor had questioned the independence of the Turkish judiciary, specifically referencing Gürlek's appointment and suggesting it was a political move to sideline opposition figure Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Amor had stated, "Can anyone outside Turkey believe in the independence of this judiciary? You all know what the appointment of the former Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul and current Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek means. Akın Gürlek cannot be part of any democratic reform because he was used as a political tool in the process of removing Ekrem İmamoğlu from political competition. They tried to achieve with the judiciary and prosecutors what they could not achieve in elections with the AK Party."

In response, Gürlek posted on social media in both Turkish and English, asserting that the Republic of Turkey is an independent, sovereign, and democratic state governed by the rule of law. He emphasized that judicial authority is exercised by independent and impartial courts on behalf of the Turkish nation. Gürlek described international monitoring of judicial processes as a sign of Turkey's democratic maturity and transparency. However, he condemned statements made outside courtrooms about ongoing trials as unacceptable attempts to target the Turkish judiciary and exert political pressure.

Gürlek firmly stated that Turkey's legal processes are guided by its Constitution, laws, evidence, and the discretion of its independent courts, not by the political agendas or expectations of foreign parliamentarians. He declared that no one can dictate to Turkish courts or interfere in the country's internal affairs. Gürlek concluded by affirming Turkey's strength and determination to protect its national will, judicial system, and rule of law against any external pressures or agendas.

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Can anyone outside Turkey believe in the independence of this judiciary? You all know what the appointment of the former Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul and current Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek means. Akın Gürlek cannot be part of any democratic reform because he was used as a political tool in the process of removing Ekrem İmamoğlu from political competition. They tried to achieve with the judiciary and prosecutors what they could not achieve in elections with the AK Party.