Response from Yılmaz Tunç to Özgür Özel: 'He is a pharmacist; if he were a lawyer, he could make this distinction'

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç made a series of assessments regarding current issues at the opening of the Labor Prisons Products and Handicrafts Fair, which he attended in Ankara. Pointing out that the investigations conducted into CHP-run municipalities are not political, Tunç emphasized that the judicial process should not be interfered with. Responding to the criticisms of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Minister Tunç also shared his views on the death of Rabia Naz Vatan and the debate surrounding 'children dragged into crime'.

INVESTIGATION INTO CHP-RUN MUNICIPALITIES

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç made the following statements regarding the ongoing files concerning CHP-run municipalities:

“As soon as the investigation began, he made statements regarding the file. He tried to convey to the public that this was not a judicial investigation but a political one. These are not true.

It is an investigation that started as a result of reports. The investigation is not political. Public prosecutors are doing their jobs. It is not a single person working; there are ongoing processes. We attach importance to the presumption of innocence. Of course, decisions can be criticized. We have to wait for the course of the investigation.

Money was found in baklava boxes. Everyone saw this. If there is corruption here, the public will make its own assessment on this point. The judiciary should be left alone. The indictment writing process is ongoing. In Turkey, legal remedies are open until the end, and these are being realized. There is no dual legal system in Turkey. There is a democratic legal system.”

RESPONSE TO ÖZEL: “HE IS A PHARMACIST...”

Addressing the criticisms of CHP leader Özgür Özel, Tunç responded with the following words:

“Under what conditions is an investigation permit granted, and under what conditions is it not? Of course, Mr. Özel is a pharmacist. If he were a lawyer, he could make this distinction.

The investigation permit requested from the Ministry of Justice is being granted. One should avoid expressions that undermine our justice system. It is a comprehensive investigation. There are many suspects. All of these are matters that take a certain amount of time. It is our collective wish that a sound investigation be conducted. Under what conditions is an investigation permit granted, and under what conditions is it not? Of course, Mr. Özel is a pharmacist. If he were a lawyer, he could make this distinction.”

THE DEATH OF RABIA NAZ VATAN

Recalling the judicial process regarding the death of Rabia Naz Vatan, Tunç said:

“We wish the family our condolences. It is a matter on the agenda of the judiciary. Protecting children is important. A judicial investigation took place here. The decision has become final. An investigation commission was also established in Parliament. The family applied to the Constitutional Court (AYM). The AYM decided on compensation. The justifications of the AYM are important. There is a certain procedure for retrial. The AYM did not decide on a retrial.”

CHILDREN DRAGGED INTO CRIME

Touching upon the trial processes of children, Tunç made the following statement:

“It has become a subject that is frequently debated in the public eye. It is important that a trial appropriate to the age of the children is conducted. We have a draft study on this. There is a grading system in the reduction of sentences according to age.”