The Freedom Observer

It is evident that the revocation of the mazbat, initiated by the Ministry of Justice, was an attempt to impose a trustee. However, the significant backlash from the public, civil society and political parties appears to have compelled the government to retreat, at least temporarily. This episode underscores the importance of consistently voicing solid objections from the public in every instance of attempting to impose arbitrary trustee practices that undermine democratic principles.

Despite the annulment of certain provisions that exerted pressure on civil society organizations, associations continue to face pressure through the requirement for annual audits.

The AKP government has attempted to conceal the issue of trade with Israel from the public, employing tactics similar to those used for various other contentious issues. Journalists and politicians who brought attention to this matter were marginalized and accused of being agents of foreign powers. However, the information eventually surfaced publicly, likely exacerbated by the AKP's defeat in the local elections, prompting a backtrack on this issue.

As in the case of Can Atalay, other judicial bodies are openly refusing to comply with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, and the government is making preparations to limit the Constitutional Court’s powers as a solution. If this amendment becomes law, the Constitutional Court will not be legally dissolved, but it seems that it will de facto be the final nail in its coffin.

Regrettably, these efforts to urge TRT to uphold impartiality have proven to be futile. With this biased approach, the ruling party and the public institutions under its influence are obstructing the electoral campaign process from being conducted fairly.

On the flip side, producers, in an effort to safeguard their profit margins amidst price controls or anticipating fixed incomes, may opt to offer consumers fewer choices and inferior quality products. While the TESK circular may not encompass products like stuffed bagels, kashkaval bagels, olive bagels, and butter bagels, the overall quality of traditional bagels could still suffer.

It emphasizes that journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society in Turkey are subjected to systemic repression and operate in a hostile environment under the threat of legal sanctions and that freedom of expression is under threat. In addition to legal pressure, journalists are subjected to physical attacks and smear campaigns by government-controlled media.

It remains unclear whether Erdoğan's rhetoric truly reflects his intentions or if it is a strategic move for the local elections. As history shows, Erdoğan has made similar statements in previous years. Despite many legal experts declaring his last candidacy unconstitutional, Erdoğan was able to run without facing any obstacles.

Consequently, in Turkey, elections take place under all kinds of economic circumstances.

To provide a summary, one significant amendment involves standardizing the application periods for appeals and cassations in procedural laws. Under this change, these periods will commence upon receipt of the reasoned decision and will be set at two weeks. This regulation is positive and expected to resolve specific practical issues and uncertainties.