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Writer's pictureÖzgür Kurucuk

Turkey's Judicial Crisis: Court of Cassation Files Complaint Against Constitutional Court Judges

Turkey's Judicial Crisis

Turkey's judicial crisis: Court of Cassation clashes with Constitutional Court over the release of imprisoned parliamentarian Can Atalay. Delve into the legal intricacies, political echoes, and international scrutiny, exploring the implications for Turkey's rule of law and democratic institutions

The Turkish judicial landscape has plunged into uncharted waters as the Court of Cassation, the nation's top appeals court, takes an extraordinary step by filing a criminal complaint against members of the Constitutional Court. This unprecedented move stems from a contentious disagreement over the case of imprisoned parliamentarian Can Atalay, revealing deep-seated tensions within the Turkish legal system.


Constitutional Court vs. Court of Cassation

In a rare judicial clash called as 'Turkey's Judicial Crisis,' the Constitutional Court, Turkey's highest court of constitutional review, ordered the release of Can Atalay, a member of the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) and a recently elected parliamentarian. The Constitutional Court deemed Atalay's continued imprisonment a violation of his fundamental rights – a decision that the Court of Cassation adamantly contested.



A Timeline of Legal Discord


Imprisonment Amid Political Upheaval

Can Atalay, a 47-year-old lawyer, found himself behind bars in April 2022, sentenced to 18 years for his alleged role in attempting to overthrow the government during the 2013 Gezi Park protests. Despite the conviction, Atalay managed to secure a seat in the May elections, sparking a series of legal battles over his right to perform parliamentary duties while incarcerated.


Constitutional Court's Decree:

In an unexpected turn, the Constitutional Court ruled in October that Atalay's detention violated his rights to security, liberty, and the right to be elected. The decree ordered his immediate release, emphasizing the authority of constitutional principles over political disputes. However, this decision set the stage for a judicial confrontation that shook the foundations of Turkey's legal system.


Court of Cassation Strikes Back: Defiance and Criminal Complaints


Unusual Decision Sparks Outrage

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the legal community, the Court of Cassation defiantly rejected the Constitutional Court's ruling. Instead of implementing the decision promptly, the Court of Cassation opted for an unusual approach – calling for lower courts to disregard the release order and launching a criminal investigation into the judges who supported Atalay's release. This decision is unprecedented and has raised questions about the autonomy and independence of Turkey's highest judicial bodies.


Allegations of Constitutional Violations

The crux of the Court of Cassation's argument lies in its assertion that the Constitutional Court itself violated the constitution. This sets the stage for a legal and constitutional crisis, as the very institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law engage in a public dispute over the interpretation of fundamental legal principles.



Experts Weigh In on Unprecedented Turmoil


Constitutional Court Judges in the Crosshairs

Legal experts are quick to point out the intricacies of the situation. The judges of the Constitutional Court, facing criminal complaints, can only be tried by the Supreme Criminal Court, which happens to be the Constitutional Court itself. This legal paradox adds complexity to an already convoluted scenario, leaving observers and legal scholars grappling with the implications for the rule of law in Turkey.


Constitutional Crisis Takes Center Stage

As news of the legal clash spread, social media platforms were ablaze with discussions on the hashtags "Constitutional Crisis," "Constitutional Court," and "Court of Cassation." The public reaction underscores the gravity of the situation, with citizens expressing concern over the potential erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law.



Government and Opposition Respond to Legal Uproar


Government's Uneven Response

The government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party, finds itself in a delicate position. While some party members, like Hayati Yazici, the AKP vice chairman, lament the incident on social media, others within Erdogan's ranks remain silent. The lack of a unified response from the government raises questions about internal divisions and the administration's stance on the unfolding legal crisis.


Opposition Outcry: "Attempt at Overthrowing the Constitutional Order"

Ozgur Ozel, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), did not mince words, calling the Court of Cassation's move "an attempt at overthrowing the constitutional order." Urgently convening his party in response to the court complaint, Ozel underscores the gravity of the situation, rallying opposition forces against what they perceive as an affront to the rule of law.



Gezi Park Protests, Legal Battles, and Political Fallout


Gezi Park Protests: Catalyst for Legal Entanglement

Atalay's imprisonment is rooted in the aftermath of the 2013 Gezi Park protests, a significant episode in Turkish history marked by widespread anti-government demonstrations. Alongside Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala and six others, Atalay faced charges related to orchestrating the protests, which posed a significant challenge to Erdogan's two-decade-long rule.


Denials and Political Fallout

All defendants, including Atalay, vehemently deny the charges, contending that the protests developed spontaneously and were not part of a coordinated effort to overthrow the government. The legal battles surrounding Atalay's case have not only intensified political divisions but have also cast a spotlight on the broader challenges facing Turkey's judicial system.



The Way Forward: A Complex Legal and Political Landscape


Calls for Unity and Resolution

As Turkey grapples with this unprecedented legal crisis, voices from all sides stress the importance of unity and resolution. Hayati Yazici, the AKP vice chairman, emphasizes that the branches of the state should work to solve problems rather than create them. The need for a collaborative approach to address the legal and political challenges is echoed by those who fear the long-term consequences of a fractured judicial system.


International Scrutiny and Concerns

The international community is closely watching the developments in Turkey, expressing concerns about the potential erosion of democratic values and the rule of law. As Turkey navigates this delicate situation, diplomatic pressure may mount, urging the government to uphold the principles of judicial independence and constitutional order.



Turkey's Judicial Crossroads - Unprecedented Legal Turmoil Amidst Political Upheaval

The clash between the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court over Can Atalay's case has brought Turkey to a critical juncture. This unprecedented legal crisis raises fundamental questions about the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the resilience of democratic institutions. As the nation grapples with the fallout from this legal maelstrom, the eyes of the world remain fixed on Turkey, awaiting a resolution that will shape its legal and political landscape for years to come.

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