Turkish rectors offer support to Supreme Court
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Turkey's Intercollegiate Board (UAK) supported on Friday the Supreme Court as the board's chairman said the judiciary was criticized unfairly by both the government and from abroad. (UPDATED)
Turkey's Intercollegiate Board (UAK) supported the Supreme Court's statement as the board's chairman Mustafa Akaydin said the judiciary was criticized unfairly by both the government and from abroad, in a press conference held after the board's meeting on Friday.      Â
He said external forces, both inside and outside the country, had attempted to direct the court in ongoing cases and intervene in the judiciary, adding the board was adverse to such interventions.
Middle East Technical University (ODTU) Rector Ural Akbulut, also attended the press conference, and said the judiciary should not be repressed.Â
Turkey's Supreme Court criticized the government in a very harsh statement Wednesday for meddling in the judiciary and attempt to create a "judiciary controlled by an executive body"; the government termed the statement, "needless and politically motivated." Officials of the Supreme Court declined to comment Thursday on the government's response.  Â
The exchange of harsh statements signals a new phase in the conflict between the AKP government and the judiciary and is likely to increase tensions further.