ANKARA - While Turkey has a legitimate right to combat terrorism, as acountry where the rule of law is in force there are difficulties in dealing with terrorists, the Chief Judge of the Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals Osman Arslan, on Thursday.
Addressing a ceremony to mark the opening of the new judicial year, Arslan said it was undeniable that several governments were supporting terrorist groups targeting Turkey.
“All states have an obligation to take measures to prevent the transfer of their weapons to terrorist organisations,” said Arslan. “Not taking any measures implies clear support to the terrorists. Separatist terror, supported by overseas centres, still prevails in Turkey. So it is Turkey’s right to defend itself.”
Arslan also warned that any criticisms of the judicial system should be scientific and legal.
“Only decisions, not the individuals making the decisions should be criticized,” he said. “Isolated decisions should not be brought up on the daily agenda in order to portray an image that the Turkish legal system makes wrong decisions.”
“We should not forget that the legal system is for everyone. To wear out the legal system implies that the legal system can not fulfil its responsibilities. The whole country would be hurt by such a possibility and reality.”
Another to address the ceremony was Ozdemir Ozok, chairman of the Turkish Bars’ Union, who said that while work was being undertaken to draft a new constitution, this process was taking place in secret.
“We hope that the draft will be made public soon since we can make important contributions to it,” he said. “It is our utmost wish that a constitution which favours full independence, indivisible unity and democratisation of our country and does not deny the founding philosophy and fundamental values of the Republic of Turkey will be prepared under total social compromise and understanding.”
“The Constitutional Court forms the basic structure of a state of law and fulfils the most important function of the judicial independence. Therefore, we need to watch carefully all attempts targeting to change the structure of the Constitutional Court or to limit its functions. We should not allow such attempts trying to harm the Constitutional Court.”
