Turkish justice minister meets judiciary over planned changes

Ergin met the judges of the court of appeals and the top administrative court in Ankara, state news agency Anatolia reported. It didn’t give an agenda for the talks.

The changes, which are likely to increase the government’s role in appointing top judges, may add to tension between the government and officials in the judiciary and bureaucracy. The ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, may not be able to muster the votes needed for the changes in Parliament and a public referendum is likely.

There are “fears that the government’s agenda remains one of further extending its power over the last bastions of Turkey’s secular establishment,” Tim Ash, global head of emerging-market research and strategy at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc in London, wrote in an e-mailed report. “These remain highly contentious issues in Turkey.”

Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Çiçek said Friday that the country’s bid for European Union membership demands a revamp of the Constitution and the government wants a consensus on the changes. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said “stay tuned” Thursday when asked about the plans.

The government’s plan for the judiciary would see more government-appointees on the Supreme Board of Prosecutors and Judges, or HSYK, which makes judicial appointments. The board was split for weeks in July over new postings as the government representatives disagreed with the judges on the council.

The constitutional reform package may also include steps to improve union rights, make it easier to try military officers in civilian courts and render political party closures more difficult.

/Hurriyet Daily News/