Columnist asserts judiciary crisis is a deliberate strategy

The escalating crisis within Turkey's high judiciary has taken a dramatic turn as the Supreme Court of Appeals openly defies the Constitutional Court's rulings, particularly regarding the rights violation case of Can Atalay. The Supreme Court of Appeals has gone so far as to file a criminal complaint against the Constitutional Court members involved in the verdict, signaling a deep rift within the nation's legal system.

Columnist Mehmet Tezkan of HalkTV has weighed in on the controversy with a stark analysis of the situation. "Even if they cannot abolish the Constitutional Court in line with Bahçeli's wishes, it is clear that they will prune its legs. I called it an operation. I guess no one thinks that this crisis came unexpectedly," Tezkan stated in his article, suggesting that the conflict was not a sudden development but rather a calculated maneuver.

In his review, Tezkan also dissected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks regarding his potential role as an arbitrator in the dispute. Erdoğan initially supported the Supreme Court of Appeals but later claimed a neutral stance, saying, "I am in no position to be a party to the fight; we can be the arbitrator." However, Tezkan argued that Erdogan's words should not be mistaken for impartiality but rather an assertion of dominance over both the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Appeals. "What does arbitration mean? It means I make the final decision. It means I am the sole and supreme authority," Tezkan interpreted.

Tezkan continued to highlight the gravity of the situation in his article, pointing to the constitution's provision that places the Constitutional Court in a position to judge even the president. "Article 148 of the Constitution authorizes the Constitutional Court to judge even presidents. That means it is the highest authority. Let no one object; let no one try to cover it up or ignore it. The truth is that the button of a big operation has been pressed. The process of binding the judiciary to a single authority has been launched because of a judicial crisis," he warned.

This unfolding crisis raises significant concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Turkey and the potential for a power struggle that could have far-reaching implications for the country's legal and democratic frameworks.