TURKISH JUDICIAL OFFICIALS QUIT OVER GOVT REFORMS

The chairman and six of the 11 members of a Turkish state board in charge of appointing senior judges and prosecutors on October 11 said they had resigned to protest at government-backed reforms to overhaul the judiciary. Turkish voters approved in a referendum in September constitutional reforms proposed by the ruling AK Party to revamp Turkey’s top courts, a move critics say will strip the judiciary of its role of overseeing the executive. Among the most contentious articles were the overhaul of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors, or HSYK, and the Constitutional Court. Both have been at odds with the AK Party. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has said the changes will strengthen democracy and bring Turkey closer to European norms. The result of the referendum was seen as a major boost for Erdogan, who will seek a third consecutive term in power in general elections in June next year.