The association representing judges and prosecutors in Turkiye unveiled a sample bill that they say will reform the judiciary at every level and make it more independent.

The Union of Judges and Prosecutors for Democracy and Freedom Association shared its version of a bill aimed at consolidate the independence of the judiciary, from the high courts to the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors, HSYK, at a press conference on Monday.

The co-chairman of the association, Osman Can, said the proposed  bill should be evaluated as a  a test of sincerity for those who wish to establish a democratic judiciary.

“With our suggested proposal we are aiming to bring in objective criteria for the appointment, promotion and disciplining of judges and public prosecutors,” Can said.

 He said  that the system currently in place is based on subjective criteria and that the judicial system in Turkiye has a hierarchic, militarist and arbitrary base and functions through nepotism.

The proposed bill would regulate how judges and public prosecutors are appointed and promoted and would use performance ratings and evaluations rather than relying on subjective criteria.

Can added that without constitutional amendments it will be impossible to ensure a democratic judiciary but that their bill, which has been drawn up without relying on any constitutional changes, could be considered as a first step towards reform and the independence of judges and prosecutors.

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