Opposition stands with bar associations

MEMBERS of almost 60 bar associations entered Ankara on June 23 after a day of clashes with police who tried to block them from marching into the capital city, protesting against legal amendments sought to curb their representation. As the members of bar associations demanded justice, the opposition parties showed support for their rightful claims.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, General President of the CHP (Republican People’s Party) said he respects the protests. “They took justice and attorneys, now it’s time for the defense. They want to enact a law and crumble the bar associations,” said Kilicdaroglu, adding that bar associations are public entities according to the constitution. “The practice of law is not just an ordinary profession. Unemployed and youth populations are allowed to protest. Bar associations are demanding justice. •f course they will protest.”

Defense is one of the three arms of justice, said Meral Aksener, President of IYI Party. “Protesting democratically against this regulation, presidents of bar associations were kept waiting for hours day and night, under rain and sun. Despite the intentional provocation, I thank the presidents and members of bar associations for their efforts,” she added.

Describing the protests of bar association presidents and lawyers as a walk of dignity, Mithat Sancar, Co-president of HDP (People’s Democratic Party), said Turkey has already lost the two arms of justice, as judges and attorneys are under the control of the government in power. “Defense is also fighting for the dignity of those other two arms of justice,” he said.