Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç defends Akın Gürlek: Attacks İmamoğlu
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç characterized the statements made by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as "interference in the judicial process." Tunç stated, "Targeting and threatening members of the judiciary can never be seen as legitimate. No one should doubt that legal steps will be taken."
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Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç made assessments regarding the investigation conducted into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Criticizing İmamoğlu's remarks directed at Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek, Tunç argued that these statements constituted interference in the judiciary.
In a post shared on his social media account, Tunç stated the following:
"Statements targeting and threatening members of the judiciary regarding investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office are absolutely unacceptable. Turkey is a state of law, and in accordance with Article 138 of our Constitution, judges are independent. No organ, authority, or person can interfere with the judiciary."
"INTERFERENCE IN THE JUDICIARY IS A CRIME"
Stating that İmamoğlu's remarks constitute a crime under the Turkish Penal Code, Tunç said, "Statements made with the intent to influence prosecutors, judges, and courts are incompatible with a state of law. The positions held do not make it legitimate to target and threaten members of the judiciary."
"NECESSARY STEPS WILL BE TAKEN"
Emphasizing their determination to protect judicial independence, Tunç stated, "No one should doubt that the necessary legal steps will be taken against any kind of pressure and attempt to interfere with the judiciary. The rule of law is binding for everyone."