Justice Minister Tunç Declares Turkish Judiciary More Independent and Impartial Than Ever
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that the Turkish judiciary is now more impartial and independent than ever. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Law Faculty, Tunç emphasized the significant progress and reforms in the justice system over the past 22 years.
Minister Tunç reminisced about his own law school graduation 29 years ago. He highlighted the ongoing genocide in Palestine by Israel over the past nine months and urged for a revision of international organizations like the United Nations to better advocate for human rights.
“We will continue to stand by national will, judge coup plotters, and hold enemies of the nation accountable,” Tunç stated. He underscored that graduates would play vital roles in various legal professions, contributing to the realization of justice. “Whatever profession you choose, whether lawyer, judge-prosecutor, notary, or manager, you will work for the manifestation of justice,” he said.
Tunç pinpointed that the existence of a legal state requires an independent and impartial judiciary. He added that there were only 78 independent courthouse buildings in 2002, whereas today, there are 367. The number of judges and prosecutors has increased from 9,340 to 24,285, and the number of personnel from 52,000 to 186,000.
Emphasizing the legal reforms, Tunç mentioned the removal of certain clauses from the constitution that prevented the prosecution of coup plotters. “The independent and impartial judiciary today has held the coup plotters of February 28 and September 12 accountable. It is the same judiciary that began investigations and prosecutions against the FETÖ terrorists responsible for the dark night of July 15,” he noted.
Minister Tunç also drew attention to the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, criticizing international courts and organizations for their ineffectiveness and double standards. “Turkey will continue to defend equity and justice under the leadership of our President. We will tirelessly advocate for the rights of our Palestinian brothers,” he concluded.