The Republic of Turkiye is an independent and sovereign country with a deep-rooted state tradition, committed to the principle of the democratic rule of law. The Turkish judiciary delivers its rulings within the framework of the Constitution, laws, and the judicial authority it exercises on behalf of our nation.

Axar.az reports that Turkiye’s Minister of Justice Akin Gurlek said this in response to the European Parliament’s (EP) report on his country, in a post on social media.

“Conducting a political campaign by distorting ongoing judicial processes in Turkiye and using cases that are still under prosecution, as well as making unfounded accusations against the Turkish judiciary and myself, can only be explained as an attitude driven by ideological bias.

This politically motivated approach, encouraged by certain circles in the European Parliament, undermines the credibility of the institutions these individuals represent. For us, what matters is the conscience of our esteemed nation and the decisions of independent Turkish courts.

European Parliament reports are advisory political documents. Targeting the judicial institutions of the Republic of Turkiye through such texts is a futile effort directed against the national will and the sovereign rights of our state.

It would also be appropriate for a member of the European Parliament, whose name has been associated with various controversies from municipal governance to election campaign processes, to address the public discussions regarding transparency, ethics, and accountability in their own political career.

Turkiye continues its determined fight against terrorism, organized crime groups, corruption, and all forms of unlawful activity. This struggle cannot be disrupted by political pressure campaigns, whether internal or external.

No one should harbor the illusion that they can bring the judiciary of the Republic of Turkiye under pressure or tutelage. We will continue to carry out our duties to ensure the peace of our nation, the survival of our state, and the protection of our legal order,” the minister said.

It is noted that the latest draft report on Turkiye, which will be put to a vote at the European Parliament plenary session on June 17, includes for the first time a demand for sanctions against a Turkish official. The draft text calls for the freezing of the assets of Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, who is considered responsible for human rights violations.