AK Parti Vice Chairman Zafer Sırakaya condemned the comments and remarks made by Berlin’s Senator for Economics, Franziska Giffey, regarding Türkiye’s judicial system.

In a statement shared on his social media channels, Sırakaya stated that they are closely monitoring the “groundless, baseless, and inappropriate allegations and statements targeting Türkiye’s legal system,” made by politicians, particularly in Germany, following the arrest of the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul (IBB) Ekrem İmamoğlu, as part of an ongoing investigation into the corruption within the municipality.

Sırakaya emphasised that the Republic of Türkiye is a democratic state governed by the rule of law. He noted that the ongoing investigation into the corruption concerning the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul is being conducted with full transparency and the legal process is proceeding in a clear and open manner.

He continued to state:

“We strongly condemn the deliberate remarks made by Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey, who targeted the Turkish judicial system during an Eid al-Fitr gathering organised by a civil society organisation in Berlin. We firmly stress that those who apply double standards, those who remain silent on the judicial proceedings concerning Marine Le Pen in France, and those who fail to speak out against the brutal killing of babies, children, and innocent civilians, are in no position to lecture us on justice.”

Sırakaya highlighted that the Turkish judiciary is independent, impartial, and objective. He called on politicians, particularly those in Germany and across Europe, to respect the legal system of other states and to especially respect the legal and judiciary system of Türkiye.