Swoboda says HSYK legislation an outright attack on rule of law


Date posted: February 19, 2014

BRUSSELS

Brussels’ strong criticism of a new law in Turkey restructuring the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) continues, with statements being made by various EU officials.

Socialist Group leader and one of the most veteran politicians of the European Parliament Hannes Swoboda harshly reacted to the new law on the HSYK. Swoboda said the law was an outright attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

Speaking to Today’s Zaman, Swoboda said the new law was deeply worrying for the European Union. Not bothering to mince his words, the Austrian politician said it was unthinkable in a democracy for the appointment of judges and prosecutors to not be protected from political interests.

“It is inconceivable in a democracy that the appointment of judges and prosecutors is not distinguished from political interests and actors,” he said.

Stressing that the law would not be in line with EU legislation, he warned President Abdullah Gül on the possible repercussions that the law would have on EU-Turkey relations if he approves the legislation. “I do not see how this law could be compatible with EU legislation or how it will be constructive in furthering Turkey’s EU integration process if President Gül signs it into law,” he said.

Swoboda also pointed out that, as a socialist, he had supported the Sept. 12, 2010 referendum in Turkey which had restructured the HSYK despite the harsh criticism he received from his sister party, the Turkish opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). “When the proposal seemed realistic and constructive, I supported the referendum of September 2010. But now this law has mutated into an outright attack on the independence of the judiciary and therefore the rule of law,” the Socialist leader said.

Swoboda had accused Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of using the Hizmet movement as an excuse to backtrack on reforms when Erdoğan visited Brussels on Jan. 21 and met with the leaders of political groups in the European Parliament. During the meeting, Swoboda had also criticized the government’s initiative to change the HSYK.

Watson: Gül’s image will be affected

In the meantime, Liberal Democrat member Sir Graham Watson said the perception of President Gül in Brussels would be negatively affected if he approves the legislations on the Internet and the HSYK.

Speaking at a conference jointly organized by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Brussels, Watson once again called on President Gül to exercise caution.

Watson said he had already sent a letter to Gül asking him not to sign the Internet legislation. Gül however approved the Internet legislation on Tuesday night.

Commenting on the parallel state rhetoric used by Erdoğan and his government to explain ongoing corruption charges, Watson said no one in Brussels was convinced by this argument.

Source: Todays Zaman , February 19, 2014


Related News

Why won’t Obama extradite Gulen?

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had complained to President Barack Obama about Fethullah Gulen in phone conversation. Erdogan added that Obama had responded favorably. The White House retorted in unusual language, telling journalists: “The response attributed to President Obama is not accurate.”

Fethullah Gulen: “If the allegations are proved, I agree to return to Turkey”

If some were under the influence of interventionist culture of the army and preferred to trample the values ​​of Hizmet with this reflex – which I do not think – their sins can not be attributed to all supporters of the movement. May God punish them. Nobody, including me, is above the law. I wish that all perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation, are sentenced to what they deserve through fair trial.

Erdogan Changes Tactics On Attempt To Shut Turkish Schools

President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has changed tactics in his efforts to make foreign governments close schools run by Hizmet Movement associates, otherwise called Turkish schools.

Fethullah Gülen on Acts of Terrorism – in light of Paris and Beirut

Gülen’s position on violent extremism is based on a comprehensive, thorough and robust understanding and reading of the spirit and teachings of Islam’s primary sources, the Qur’an and Sunna – the same foundations on which its core teachings are based.

History of politically motivated assault on Bank Asya

The politically motivated operation aimed at taking over Bank Asya is one that has unfolded step by step, marked by public statements from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as well as other top Justice and Development Party (AK Party) officials.

Professors in Gaziantep profiled alongside students

Those mainly profiled are reportedly followers of the Hizmet movement, a faith-based movement inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. The daily also claimed that other religious groups that voiced criticism or disapproval of the government’s activities were also profiled, mainly civil servants or those who planned or hoped to be employed in a state post.

Latest News

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

University refuses admission to woman jailed over Gülen links

In Case You Missed It

Nigeria: When Hearts Converged Through the Language Festival

Deputy claims Erdoğan prevented medical treatment of Kyrgyz president in Turkey

High competition for Fezalar Institution in North Iraq

Why is the Gulen movement’s statement on press freedom significant?

James Baker’s remarks about Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement

Kimse Yok Mu establishes town in Pakistan

University entrance exam results announced, top scorers from Gülen-affiliated schools

Copyright 2024 Hizmet News