Statement from the Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek on September 12 and the Civil Constitution

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in his post on his social media account, stated that the September 12, 1980 coup was one of the black marks in the history of democracy, and that the coup and military tutelage usurped the will of the nation and interrupted civilian politics, leaving deep traces in the political, social and legal life of the country.

Pointing out that September 12 remains in memory as one of the most severe examples in the history of democracy of the understanding that tries to establish tutelage over the national will, Gürlek said:

"Therefore, one of the most important elements of our Turkey Century goals is to completely leave behind the 1982 Constitution, which institutionalized the tutelage mentality and bore the traces of the coup period, and give Türkiye a civilian constitution. Bringing a new civil, democratic, liberal and encompassing constitution to our country, based on the common will of our nation, is our historical responsibility towards future generations. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, no tutelage focus should be placed on the national will. "We will continue our work with determination for a more democratic, stronger and more prosperous Türkiye."