Friday, January 10, 2014

Turkey’s top judicial body: govt plans for reform ‘unconstitutional’


Turkey’s top judicial body: govt plans for reform ‘unconstitutional’

Erdogan has responded angrily to the investigation, sacking hundreds of police chiefs and moving to restructure the HSYK, an independent body responsible for appointing members of the judiciary. (File photo: Reuters) 
 
Turkey’s top judicial body on Friday slapped down the government’s plans to curb its powers, calling the proposed reforms unconstitutional.

“With the law amendment, the board is reporting to the justice ministry. The amendment is against the constitution and the formation of an independent body,” the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) said in a written statement.

The government proposed plans to restructure the HSYK amid a vast corruption probe implicating key allies of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan has responded angrily to the investigation, sacking hundreds of police chiefs and moving to restructure the HSYK, an independent body responsible for appointing members of the judiciary.

The reform bill, which is set to be discussed in parliament on Friday, will give the justice minister more powers to decide who makes up the HSYK.

Last Update: Friday, 10 January 2014 KSA 16:02 - GMT 13:02

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