Head of Turkish bars union proposes separation of judicial board into two bodies

ANKARA

Head of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), Metin Feyzioğlu, speaks during a press conference Jan 22. AA photo

Metin Feyzioğlu, head of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), proposed a model of separate bodies; Supreme Council of Judges and Supreme Council of Prosecutors with a constitutional amendment in order to restructure the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) in a democratic way.

“A certain amount of members of the Supreme Council of Judges and Supreme Council of Prosecutors should be elected by Parliament,” Feyzioğlu said at a press conference about the draft, outlining restructuring the HSYK, while elaborating on a model offered for the body.

Feyzioğlu said he does not approve of the current structure of the HSYK, because it does not ensure judicial impartiality and independence. He also noted the government-led amendment to restructure the board was also contrary to the constitution and should be withdrawn.

Dismissing the criticism of his earlier proposals in order to solve the judicial crisis in Turkey, Feyzioğlu underlined that his offer had nothing to do with the release of the imprisoned leader of outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Offering the election of the Supreme Council of Judges and Supreme Council of Prosecutors members through Parliament vote, Feyzioğlu rejected the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) model, for which the parties in Parliament assign their candidate. He proposed the qualified majority of Parliament to elect a certain amount of members.