Turkish delegation issues statement on judicial process, rule of law

The Turkish parliamentary delegation participating in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, addressing recent discussions on an ongoing legal case.

In a press release issued on March 21, the delegation stated: "Türkiye fully complies with its obligations arising from the international conventions and agreements to which it is a party."

It emphasized that "the detention decision taken by the competent authorities within the scope of the corruption investigation against the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the municipal employees is carried out within a completely legal framework and in line with the principle of fair trial."

According to the delegation, "the investigation phase is confidential," in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure, and "claims, defense, and evidence will be evaluated during the investigation phase."

The statement also highlighted the importance of judicial independence, saying: "Separation of powers is essential in our country.”

“The Turkish judiciary is independent and impartial," it underscored.

The delegation further noted that "the rights of individuals are protected during the judicial process, and the process is carried out in accordance with the right to a fair trial."

It also pointed out that "in Turkish law, access to legal remedies, including the right to appeal and the right to individual application to the Constitutional Court, is granted."

The statement stressed that "the investigation phase should be completed without any interference or speculative comment."

Addressing international responses, the delegation called for adherence to "the common values that form the basis of the Council of Europe," of which Türkiye is a founding member.

The statement criticized reactions from certain European institutions, saying: "Unfortunately, we have seen with regret that the statements issued by the Bureau and the representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities have ignored this principle in their statements."

Rejecting what it described as unfair criticism, the delegation stated: "We absolutely reject biased, prejudiced, and double-standard approaches against our country within this framework."

It further emphasized that "interference in ongoing judicial processes is contrary to the principle of the rule of law, which is one of the fundamental values of the Council of Europe."

Investigations by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into Istanbul Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 99 other suspects continue as they are charged with leading a criminal organization, being a member of a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, aggravated fraud, unlawful seizure of personal data, and conspiring to rig bids.

Seven suspects, including Imamoglu, Istanbul Municipality Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, and Sisli district Mayor Resul Emrah Sahan, are also charged with aiding the terrorist group PKK.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants and the elderly.