Source:
https://scmp.com/news/world/article/1435786/turkish-president-abdullah-gul-signs-law-tightening-government-grip
World

Turkish president Abdullah Gul signs law tightening government grip on judiciary

New law gives justice ministry greater control over Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors

Supporters of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party shout slogans against the government during a demonstration on Wednesday on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul. Photo: AFP

Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul on Wednesday signed into law a contested bill tightening the government’s grip on the judiciary as it grapples to contain the fallout from a major corruption probe.

The new law, which sparked fistfights among lawmakers debating it in parliament, will give the justice ministry greater control over the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), an independent body responsible for appointing members of the judiciary.