Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek answered the questions of CNN TÜRK US Representative Yunus Paksoy in New York, where he went for the United Nations summit. He evaluated the historical messages that President Erdoğan gave to the world from the United Nations podium. "He shouted that he was with the oppressed." he said. Minister Gürlek also made important statements regarding the fund investigation. He said they would protect the rights of the victims.
Yunus Paksoy: We are in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly Week. Our esteemed President addressed the United Nations General Assembly and we are now at the Turkish House with the Minister of Justice, Mr. Akın Gürlek, who came with him in the delegation. We will evaluate both our President's addresses and initiatives here and many issues concerning Türkiye with our Minister.
"HE SHOUTED THAT HE WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE OPENED"
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek: We are pleased to host you at Türkevi. As you know, this is also our judicial consultancy room. Our President also gave a very nice speech at the United Nations. He finished it especially with Sezai Karakoç's meaningful poem. He emphasized that the oppressed are not alone or silent. It was really emotional. You must have watched and followed it too. The whole delegation applauded. Indeed, our President once again shouted that he is on the side of the oppressed, as he shouts in every environment.
Yunus Paksoy: You are here this year during the United Nations General Assembly week. Considering this slogan of "A more just world is possible", how do you see our President's initiatives here?
"HE TALKED ABOUT THE INJUSTICE IN THE UN, SAID THE WORLD IS BIGGER THAN 5"
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek: Of course, right now in the world, justice seems to be on the side of the powerful, but justice is an international term. Law must apply here. Unfortunately, as you know, it seems like whoever has the power has justice right now. In fact, our President emphasized this in his speech. He said that the oppressed people here have rights and laws and that they must be protected. It also explains the injustice within the internal structure of the United Nations. "The world is bigger than five," he says. He said that there is actually a big structure here, but five people are the decision makers. I think they were important messages.
Yunus Paksoy: Target deadlines in the judiciary... You underlined this the other day in New York. You tell the judges, "You need to finish these as soon as possible." One of the issues you have focused on most in Türkiye since you took office is to reduce those periods. We know that you have efforts and ideas to speed up the judiciary. Can you tell us a little about this? How will these periods be reduced?
"WE SET A TARGET TIME FOR JUDGES IN CASES"
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek: I came from practice. In other words, I worked as a judge, prosecutor and chief prosecutor. Since I come from practice, I know the problems better. Our citizens are dissatisfied with the length of the trials. We headed to this area as soon as we arrived. As you know, last week we completely changed the appointment regulation of judges-prosecutors. In other words, the appointment of judges and prosecutors will now be made entirely based on the effectiveness and efficiency of the judiciary. What does the effectiveness and efficiency of the judiciary mean? We set a target time for judges. In other words, when a lawsuit is filed, it is clear how long it will take for a case to be completed. Here is the rent determination case, the receivables case, the reinstatement case... Our citizens and lawyers know how long it will take for a decision to be made when they file this case. Of course, the judge must also comply with this target period.
"WE ARE NOT SENSITIVE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TARGET DURATION"
Now, making a quick decision does not mean making a fair decision. So the judge decided quickly, but this does not end. As you know, this decision has an appeal process, a Supreme Court process. The judge must make a decision quickly, within the target time, and decide accurately. In other words, his decisions must be approved by higher courts. We have introduced a points system here accordingly. Did our judge meet the target time? Is the decision made by our judge correct? So, was it approved by the Supreme Court? Accordingly, our judge will be given a point system. The appointment of our judge will be made according to this score. In other words, the distinction between east and west has disappeared. When our judge or prosecutor requests a titled position, the chief prosecutor's office, or the presidency of the high criminal court, it will be done based on points. We have completely switched to this system. We are especially sensitive about complying with the target time. We are now starting the disciplinary process for our colleagues who do not comply with the target time.
"THE IRON Sledgehammer will come down on their heads"
- We are determined to fight against drugs, gangs and illegal betting.
"STREE GANGS WERE UNABLE TO ACT"
- Crime rates decreased significantly after the operations.
"WE INCREASED PUNISHMENTS FOR CHILD CRIMINALS"
- It was a deterrent in preventing gangs from using children.
"INVESTORS WILL BE LEGALLY PROTECTED"
- We do not cause legal problems for those who invest in Türkiye.
"WE HAVE SEEN THE DISPROPORTIONATE GROWTH IN FUNDS"
- We do not allow citizens' money to be wasted.
"WE STOPPED 40 MILLION TRANSFER"
- We took precautions for fund owners so that they do not miss money.
"THE RIGHTS OF FUND VICTIMS WILL BE PROTECTED"
- We are after those who abuse the good will of the citizens.
"VIRTUAL MEDIA SHOULD HAVE RULES"
- Reputation assassination and perception cannot be made with fake and anonymous accounts.
"OUR AIM IS TO INTERVENE TO CRIME"
- Information will be stored, the account of those who do not commit a crime will not be disclosed.
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REDUCED THE WORKLOAD IN THE JUDICIARY"
- Access to law for judges, lawyers and citizens has become easier.
