Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç on Sezgin Tanrıkulu: 'Investigation permission granted'

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, following his visit to the Gaziantep Governor's Office, responded to journalists' questions regarding the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's request for permission from the Ministry of Justice to investigate CHP Diyarbakır MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu over his allegations against the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

"INVESTIGATION PERMISSION GRANTED"

Stating that the issue has occupied Turkey's agenda, Tunç said:

"It is impossible to accept or welcome the statements made by the MP in question regarding our army. Insulting our Mehmetçik (soldiers) with such sentences—soldiers who protect our country's integrity, unity, and solidarity at the cost of their lives, and who ensure our security—is naturally met with reaction. Our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation. The investigation is, of course, subject to the permission of the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the 4th paragraph of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. The file regarding the permission request arrived, and permission has been granted."

Minister Tunç noted that once the summary of proceedings (fezleke) is completed, it will be sent to the Presidency to be forwarded to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), and that once the summary reaches the Assembly, the decision will rest with the TBMM General Assembly.

REACTION TO EP'S TURKEY REPORT

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç also criticized the European Parliament's (EP) report on Turkey.

Minister Tunç stated:

"The expressions in the EP's 2022 Turkey report are words that Turkey does not deserve. It is a report prepared unilaterally, containing the propaganda of certain marginal groups and prepared under their influence. It is impossible for us to accept the criticisms regarding the rule of law and judicial independence. This report has no value to us."

News Source: 12punto