Rule of law must be Turkey's priority says Ria Oomen-Ruijten

Commenting on the scandal of widespread corruption in Turkey, Ria Oomen-Ruijten, European Parliament Rapporteur on the country, underlined the important role of independent and impartial judicial proceedings in a democracy with a functioning rule of law.

She said: "Tackling corruption at all levels is an important element for a functioning rule of law. Recent developments have raised concerns with regards to the impartiality of investigations and the separation of powers in Turkey."

"I call on the Turkish government to refrain from interfering in judicial proceedings and to make sure regulations are in line with the principles of the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers as well as the relevant articles of the Constitution."