Yılmaz Tunç speaks out after controversial images: Response to 'party-state' criticisms

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç has responded to criticisms following a walk he took in the snow in Sivas, where he was accompanied by the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK), the chief public prosecutor, AKP members, and several members of the judiciary. 

Speaking at a press conference, Tunç stated that his visit to Sivas was an event conducted entirely with local protocols, arguing that the criticisms were unfounded.

"THEY CANNOT LECTURE US ON A PARTY-STATE"

Addressing the "party-state video" criticisms specifically raised by the Republican People's Party (CHP), Yılmaz Tunç pushed back against accusations of "judicial independence" and "party-state" made by CHP officials. "This nation will never forget what a party-state is," Tunç said, recalling the past practices of the CHP. He added, "The mentality that forced this country to celebrate the May 27 coup as a Democracy and Constitution Day for years has no right to lecture us on a party-state."

"NO PARTY DISCRIMINATION, EVERYONE IS INVITED"

In his statement following the criticism, Yılmaz Tunç said, "We are ministers of the state, members of a cabinet elected by the nation. Therefore, we visit our provinces without making any party distinctions. We maintain dialogue with both AKP and CHP officials," asserting that there is no party discrimination. He further added, "Republican People's Party deputies also come to welcome us, and we sit down with them. For us, there is no difference between parties."

"THE JUDICIARY RESPECTS THE NATIONAL WILL"

Tunç also touched upon the stance of the judiciary in recent years, citing the judiciary's position during the July 15 coup attempt as an example. "We have removed the judiciary from being anyone's backyard and made it the nation's judiciary. Our judiciary has become an institution that respects the national will and stands with the people, not with coup plotters," he said. He also criticized the opposition's attacks on the judiciary, stating, "They want them not to hold people accountable for bribery, but we will hold those involved in corruption and bribery to account."

News Source: 12punto