CHP Deputy Chair Karasu: What is the Minister hiding, and from whom?

CHP Deputy Chair and Sivas MP Ulaş Karasu stated that Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has not responded to a parliamentary question regarding the National Vehicle Identification System (UTTS), asking, “Millions of people have been victimized by the UTTS. Citizens are waiting for answers to these questions. What is Uraloğlu hiding, and from whom?”

In his statement, Karasu recalled that he had brought questions regarding the UTTS—which the government claims was implemented to prevent fuel smuggling and the informal economy, but which has caused public controversy—to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

Noting that he submitted a parliamentary question to the TBMM on January 17 requesting a response from Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Uraloğlu, Karasu reminded that he had raised many issues, ranging from the difference between the cost of the chips and the price at which they are sold to citizens, to the impact on citizens' security, freedom of movement, and universal rights and freedoms. However, stating that he has still not received a response to his inquiry, Karasu criticized the failure to answer even parliamentary questions, which are one of the oversight mechanisms in the TBMM. “They give whatever instructions they want to the judiciary, but when it comes to the grievances of citizens and the questions they are waiting for, they do not answer and choose to turn a deaf ear. They either do not answer our questions or prefer to brush them off. This was the case with my questions regarding the UTTS; the minister did not respond. What is Uraloğlu hiding, and from whom?” he asked.

Pointing out that making a new vehicle identification system mandatory for citizens means high costs for both citizens and fuel companies, the questions in Karasu's inquiry are summarized as follows:

“Why was there a need for a new system despite the existence of vehicle identification systems from different brands that are already installed in current vehicles and used by different stations?
Is it not possible to integrate vehicle identification systems of different brands with each other?
Who will perform the registration and installation of the UTTS for vehicles belonging to daily car rental companies operating in our country, and how will this be deducted from taxes?
Was the opinion of other security organizations, primarily the police, sought while the UTTS was being implemented? If so, when was it sought, and what were the contents of the opinions provided?
Is this system, which will also enable the tracking of individuals using vehicles through car rental methods, not contrary to individuals' freedom of movement and universal human rights and freedoms? Has the opinion of legal experts been sought on this matter?
From which company and where were the software and hardware equipment for the UTTS procured? What is the name and trade title of the company that won the contract for the supply of system equipment and is located in the Istanbul Informatics Valley?
Given Israel's attack in Lebanon, is the claim that the locations where UTTS installation is performed, as well as every vehicle and station where the device is installed, carry the 'risk of turning into a potential bomb' true?”

News Source: 12punto