REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

MINISTER GÜRLEK ATTENDED THE OPENING PROGRAM OF THE TRAINING AT THE JUSTICE ACADEMY OF TÜRKİYE

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek emphasized that the courthouses have reached a level incomparable with the past in terms of physical facilities, technological infrastructure, and quality of services, stating: “In 2002, the number of judges and public prosecutors was 9.349. Today, this number has risen to 26.719. Likewise, while there were only 78 courthouses in 2002, today the number has reached 400. Justice services are being delivered to our citizens in a faster, more effective, and more accessible manner.”

Attending the opening program of the training at the Justice Academy of Türkiye, Minister of Justice Gürlek noted that the courthouse door must never be forgotten as the door of justice and equality.

“WITH THE TRAINING YOU WILL RECEIVE AT OUR JUSTICE ACADEMY, YOU WILL BEGIN YOUR PROFESSION IN A MUCH MORE WELL-EQUIPPED MANNER”

Wishing the new training period to be auspicious, Minister Gürlek said: “In order to fulfill such a noble duty, you have made great efforts in the university entrance exam, during your faculty education, in the Legal Professions Entrance Exam, and in the Preliminary Administrative Judiciary Exam. With outstanding dedication, you have earned the right to be here and to receive this training. Following these challenging processes, I wholeheartedly believe that with the training you will receive at our Justice Academy, you will begin your profession in a much more well-equipped manner. I sincerely congratulate each of you for the effort you have shown on the path to becoming representatives of justice.”

Emphasizing that justice is the fundamental guarantee of social peace and harmony, Minister Gürlek stated that it is judges and public prosecutors who will eliminate injustices.

Explaining that judges and public prosecutors must remain just, fair, and impartial under all circumstances, Minister Gürlek emphasized that significant reforms have been carried out in the field of judiciary over the past 23 years. Minister Gürlek continued his remarks as follows:

“Over the past 23 years, very significant reforms have been made in the judicial system. Important legislative amendments have been implemented to expand fundamental rights and freedoms, while at the same time the physical infrastructure and human resources of our courthouses have been substantially strengthened. Twenty-three years ago, the conditions of our courthouses were far from comparable to today. At present, however, our courthouses have reached a level that is absolutely incomparable with the past in terms of physical facilities, technological infrastructure, and the quality of services provided. In 2002, the number of judges and public prosecutors was 9.349. Today, this number has reached 26.719. Likewise, while the number of courthouses was only 78 in 2002, today it has reached 400. Justice services are being delivered to our citizens in a faster, more effective, and more accessible manner. Together, we will continue to work with determination to achieve even better.”

“ON JULY 15, OUR HEROIC MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY TOOK THE NECESSARY STEPS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF LAW AGAINST THE TRAITORS”

Recalling that the members of the judiciary displayed a heroic stance and fought effectively against the traitors during the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, Minister Gürlek said as follows: “You are a generation that knows the July 15 coup attempt and has comprehended that dark night. We all witnessed what FETÖ inflicted upon our country. Our noble nation fought at the cost of their lives to stop the traitors. In this struggle, 251 of our citizens were martyred, and 2.740 became veterans. That night, our patriotic members of the judiciary assumed even greater responsibility. Through the investigations and detention orders they swiftly initiated, they firmly demonstrated the judiciary’s reflex to protect the national will. Our heroic judges and public prosecutors immediately took up their duties and, remaining within the framework of law, took the necessary steps against the traitors.”

By stating that the infiltration of members of the FETÖ terrorist organization into the judiciary and the damage they caused must be correctly understood by the candidate judges and public prosecutors, Minister Gürlek continued his speech as follows:

“I would particularly like to draw attention to this: correctly understanding the damage caused by this organization through its infiltration into the judiciary is one of the most important lessons for you. For this structure has sought to harm not only institutions but also concepts such as justice, merit, and competence, which our nation has valued for centuries. At this stage, as you are about to enter the profession, demonstrating a reliable, strong, principled, and dignified stance will be your greatest strength. If you uphold these values, no dark structure, no ill-intentioned formation will ever find ground within the judiciary again. The more strongly you embrace these principles, the stronger, more trustworthy, and more effective our legal system will be.”

“THE COURTHOUSE DOOR IS THE DOOR OF JUSTICE AND EQUALITY”

Emphasizing that every citizen entering the courthouse must have confidence in justice, Minister Gürlek said: “The courthouse door is the door of justice and equality. Every citizen, who enters through that door, must be able to say, ‘I will find justice here.’ Every citizen in need of justice must trust you when they come before you and believe in the decision you will render. It is our responsibility to provide you with every means necessary to reach the right decision with your conscience. While you conduct fair, effective, and swift judicial processes, our sole wish is that you fulfill your duty in the best possible way and encounter no obstacles.”

Minister Gürlek wished the new academic year to be auspicious both for the Justice Academy and for the judiciary community.