Comment from Bülent Arınç on Enis Berberoğlu: We need justice

Former Parliamentary Speaker Bülent Arınç has issued a statement about CHP Istanbul MP Enis Berberoğlu, who has been detained as part of the trial into the intelligence agency lorries. Arınç, expressing his sorrow at Berberoğlu’s detention, commented, ‘I hope that a decision will be passed immediately that will satisfy the public conscience. For, we currently have a great need for justice that is for everyone and is not delayed.’

Arınç's statement reads as follows:

I must express my sorrow at Istanbul Member of Parliament Enis Berberoğlu being imprisoned for 25 years and detained. I convey my wishes for fortitude to him, his family and those who love him. The charge brought against Enis Berberoğlu is the charge of ‘Disclosing Information that Requires to Remain Confidential’ laid down in Article 330 of the Turkish Penal Code in Chapter 7 with the heading ‘Crimes Against State Secrets and Espionage’ of the Turkish Penal Code. The crime is grave and the penalty severe. However, intense debate has been going on for some time over this matter that may be subsumed under the following headings: ‘The information in question had previously been reported on television and in newspapers, the Court of Cassation has created different doctrines in this regard, indeed, when other crimes of the same nature are referred to, the character of the crime may change, the other person charged as the main defendant is abroad and the trial has not ended, and whether or not the crime can be deemed to be journalistic activity.’

Furthermore, while the charge raised is a grave charge, in terms of the constituents of the crime, it must be investigated whether Enis Berberoğlu committed this crime with particular intent. I am aware that the sentence handed down and especially his detention have given rise to great sorrow and outrage. I greet reactions of this kind as being natural. However, all citizens, including those in state office, must take care to comply with Article 138 of our Constitution. And, however much trust in the judiciary has diminished, we have to trust the Turkish judiciary. Let us be aware that there are judges in Turkey and justice will without fail be done! My humble recommendation for today is that, come what may, this decision is in need of appellate examination. Sentences in excess of fifteen years are directly subject to appeal and the Regional Courts of Justice examine the decisions on their own motion. I think that this examination can be conducted in a very short time. I hope that a decision will be passed immediately that will satisfy the public conscience. For, we currently have a great need for justice that is for everyone and is not delayed.