Turkey’s main opposition takes judiciary bill to top court

ANKARA

CHP's second application was returned late on Feb. 28 due to procedural problems. DHA Photo

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has filed its appeal to the Constitutional Court to annul the execution of a controversial bill restructuring the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK).

The CHP’s appeal on March 3 followed two previous applications that were refused. The first was sent back as it was done before the law went into force and the second was returned due to procedural problems.

Deputy Prime Minister Emrullah İşler used the opportunity to mock the CHP, saying the party was “inept.”
“The CHP could only manage its appeal to the Constitutional Court on its third application. This shows how inept the main opposition is,” İşler told reporters.

The CHP is rushing to demand the bill’s annulment as it believes the law will result in the complete subjugation of the judicial system to government control, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and gives extraordinary authority to the justice minister.

On Feb. 28, immediately after the law entered into force, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ appointed key officials to the HSYK, including its new secretary-general and disciplinary board head.

The law has also drawn reactions from the European Union, which has underlined that it threatens to violate the principles of the rule of law and the separation of powers.