Turkey: Presidential advisor supports Court of Cassation's refusal to comply with Constitutional Court

Turkish Presidential Advisor Mehmet Ucum expressed his support for the decision of the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation in Turkey which refused to comply with the Constitutional Court's decision, arguing that its prior ruling was correct in the case of Can Atalay, a detainee in the Gezi Park protests who was later elected as an MP from Turkey Workers Party.

Uçum commended the court's refusal to comply with the Constitutional Court's decision, stating that it was the correct course of action. He further argued that this ruling serves as a litmus test to differentiate those who are in favor of the “national judiciary” from those who are not.

Uçum also criticized the Constitutional Court's decisions, claiming they exemplify judicial activism and a disregard for the constitution.

An unprecedented legal battle has ensued as the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation filed a criminal complaint against members of the Constitutional Court over the decision of violation against Can Atalay.

The Court of Cassation claimed that the Constitutional Court members who signed the Can Atalay verdict "violated the Constitution and exceeded their jurisdiction," sparking an escalating confrontation between the two legal entities.