Minister Tunç makes 'Sinan Ateş' statement following Ayşe Ateş's visit to Erdoğan

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç responded to questions from journalists regarding the current agenda.

Regarding the regulation on stray animals to be submitted to the General Assembly of Parliament, Minister Tunç said the following:

STRAY DOG REGULATION

"The study has been sent to our parliamentary group. What is important here is to find a middle ground. We must protect our animals. They do not have a language; they cannot express their troubles. They are our dear friends. With the regulations in recent years, we had implemented measures to increase penalties for those who torture or kill animals. There have been many cases brought before the judiciary involving those who torture cats and dogs. The defendants received prison sentences.

Animals must also not harm each other. We also see issues where stray dogs harm people. There are citizens who have died, and children who cannot go to school. There are elderly people and citizens who cannot go to morning prayers. The streets must also be safe. Both human health and animal health are important. We believe our members of parliament will find the middle ground. Duties and authorities must be given to municipalities in this regard. Authorized personnel must be determined. Shelters must be increased. Financial support is needed for shelters. Our members of parliament will carry out the work."

AYŞE ATEŞ-ERDOĞAN MEETING

Responding to a question regarding the meeting between President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ayşe Ateş, the wife of former Ülkü Ocakları President Sinan Ateş, who was assassinated in Ankara, and the investigation process, Tunç said, "I was also present at the meeting with Ayşe Ateş. Our President listened carefully. He stated that in a state of law, nothing will remain in the dark. He expressed that the judiciary should be trusted in this matter. The trial begins on July 1. There are 22 detainees. The case has been filed. The file is already on the public agenda. The process also continues for those whose investigations are ongoing. (Regarding Ayşe Ateş being threatened) We said, if there is a complaint about this matter, refer it to the judiciary."