Turkey’s ombudsman not authorized for army

ANKARA

Turkish parliament passed a bill to start Turkey’s first ombudsman system which excludes the military’s actions from ombudsman’s oversight on June 14.

The Ombudsman’s office will be responsible for examining and investigating all manners of administrative acts, actions, attitudes and behaviors in terms of respect for human rights and freedoms, conformity with law and fairness and appropriateness within the framework of the character of the Republic of Turkey as enshrined in its constitution. It will perform its functions as part of the Parliament Speaker’s Office. In total 246 personnel will serve the institution. One of the inspectors will be specialized for women’s and children’s rights. The President’s acts and Turkish Armed Forces’ activities will be beyond the ombudsman’s authority.

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has criticized the limited authority of the institution.

“Practices in prisons and military activities should be accountable as well. If not this institution will be born dead,” the CHP deputy Ali Özgündüz said.