Turkish opposition terms judicial reforms ‘flop’

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) on Wednesday described new judicial reform package a "real flop”.

Addressing his party lawmakers, Co-chairperson of the HDP Sezai Temelli criticized the package of 39 articles.

"We have looked at the package. It is a real flop," said Temelli.

He added: "There is no regulation in the package related to freedom for politicians, universal law and freedom of speech."

The package was submitted to the Speaker’s office on Monday, a day before the start of parliament's third legislation term of the year on Oct. 1.

The package contains host of amendments in the laws, covering passports, notaries, higher education, judges and prosecutors, fighting terrorism, the penal and criminal codes, and child welfare.

Temelli noted that Turkey "does need a real judicial reform."

"The parliament should show its will. The reform is not even a matter of discussion in this package," he said.