Çiçek: Double standards from the EU
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Aralık 20, 2005 11:52
Turkey's Justice Minister Cemil Çiçek has criticized the EU deeply for sticking their nose into Turkish affairs. After arriving at his ministry at 8.40 am, he said that they would assess the case before reaching a decision but added that some were using the Pamuk prosecution for political gain or to further their causes. In a speech on Monday after the cabinet meeting, Çiçek said Pamuk's case was a legal matter and an uncomplicated one at that, but added that efforts by some to turn the matter into a political issue was harming the process.
Haberin Devamı
"The case has obviously become a political issue. It necessitates that we exercise some democratic patience," He said they would be discussing the matter with judges, prosecutors and, if necessary, academics and would announce their decision when ready.
Turkey's Cabinet met on Monday to discuss the freedom of expression trial of Pamuk, a case that has sparked intense international pressure from European Union officials, who are demanding that the trial be dropped.