Minister Tunç's statement on 'censorship law' and 'Can Atalay': 'We have expressed our opinion'

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç answered questions from members of the press following the "Workshop on the Evaluation of Child Handover and Personal Relationship Establishment Procedures with Children" held at the Bilkent Hotel.

When asked for his assessment regarding the release of T24 columnist Tolga Şardan, Tunç said, "There are many such investigations on the judiciary's agenda. In these investigations, both arrests and releases can occur. We must respect the decisions made by the judiciary. The matter is at the discretion of the judiciary."

THE DISCRETION LIES WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

Upon being asked about the Constitutional Court taking up the law known as the censorship law, Tunç noted the following:

"Article 217/a of the Turkish Penal Code was introduced as a new type of crime during the previous legislative term, and its implementation has begun. It is the crime of publicly disseminating misleading information. If there is a situation intended to create anxiety, fear, or panic among the public, or one that violates public order, it is again the independent judiciary that will determine these acts and decide whether they constitute a crime. In this process, an annulment case regarding the article was filed with the Constitutional Court. As a Ministry, we have expressed our opinion to the Constitutional Court. The discretion lies with the Constitutional Court. We will all see the result together."

"WE WILL WAIT FOR THE COURT OF CASSATION'S DECISION"

Minister Tunç, upon being asked about the opinion of the Court of Cassation Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding Can Atalay, stated that this is also a matter before the judiciary and requested that the judicial decision be awaited. When asked about criticisms regarding this issue, Tunç used the expression, "There will be criticisms regarding court decisions. We have all followed the process together."

Explaining the judicial process regarding Can Atalay, Minister Tunç said, "The violation decision given regarding Can Atalay was sent to the first-instance court. The first-instance court sent the file to the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation, reasoning that the matter is being heard at the Court of Cassation and that the Court of Cassation needs to make an assessment. Now we will wait for the decision of the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation."