The President of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD), Orhan Turan, received a response to his judicial criticism from Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç and AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik. Tunç, who stated, “Turkey is not the old Turkey anymore,” emphasized that the views of civil society organizations are a democratic right. AK Party Spokesperson Çelik, on the other hand, stated, “The right to evaluate the country’s agenda and shaping politics as well as attempts to instruct the judiciary are different matters.”

The ordinary general assembly of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) was held today in Istanbul. Speaking at the general assembly, TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan said, “We cannot solve internal or external problems before the rule of law is established.” Tunç, the Justice Minister, and AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik responded to these remarks. In response to those criticisms on social media, Justice Minister Tunç stated, “The Republic of Turkey is a state of law. No institution, organization, or interest group is above the national will.” Tunç emphasized, “It should be well known to everyone that we do not accept any pressure on the judiciary and that we are against any attempt to influence the judiciary.” Tunç, who said, “Turkey is not the old Turkey,” emphasized that the views of civil society organizations are a democratic right. However, he also noted that efforts to direct the judiciary and politics are contrary to the spirit of democracy and the principle of the rule of law.

ÖMER ÇELİK: SOME CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS HAVE TROUBLED RECORDS
Çelik also responded to Turan’s words. In a statement on social media, Çelik said, “In democracies, it is the most natural right of civil society organizations to make statements and evaluations about the country’s agenda.” He continued, “However, the right to evaluate the country’s agenda and attempts to shape politics and instruct the judiciary are different matters. What sets them apart is commitment to democracy and respect for the law.” Çelik added, “Unfortunately, some civil society organizations in Turkey have troubled records on this matter; their support for military and judicial tutelage in the past has not been forgotten. Furthermore, activities openly targeting a legitimate government and trying to oust it from office have made headlines in their past. For these reasons, the TÜSİAD management must confront why their approaches are one of the first things that comes to mind when those fighting for democracy in this country mention a ‘trust crisis.’ TÜSİAD must make efforts to leave behind its poor record regarding democracy. As AK Party, we will not allow any initiative that considers itself above politics, as we have done in the past. We are more determined than ever to preserve the democratic sphere of politics.”