President Erdoğan spoke clearly: We will continue to ride on their backs.

12.05.2025 16:02

In a statement at the 157th Anniversary Ceremony of the Council of State, President Erdoğan said, "We will continue to ride on the backs of those who commit crimes, those who take pride in their crimes, and those who see themselves as superior to the law and the state."

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements regarding current issues at the 157th Anniversary Ceremony of the Council of State.

Expressing that no one can point fingers at the judiciary, Erdoğan said, "It is a great irresponsibility to target the families of our judiciary members and to boo them in the squares. There is no justifiable reason for this. Whether they are politicians or journalists, everyone should help the constitution to function. No one can point fingers at the judicial authorities," he said.

Continuing his remarks, Erdoğan stated, "We have taken our efforts further with the 4th judicial reform strategy document," and added, "We shared with the public the regulations that will prevent the perception of impunity. We will not allow the understanding that those who commit crimes can get away with it to take root in society. We are determined to protect the rights of our citizens who comply with the laws. We will continue to ride over those who commit crimes and see themselves as above the law and the state," he expressed.

Highlights from Erdoğan's statements;

"Dear guests, I greet you with my heartfelt feelings. I wish this important day to be beneficial for our judiciary community, especially for the Council of State and our high courts. I pray for the utmost success of all members of our Council of State family, who are currently carrying out their duties with great diligence. In our belief, existence is created upon justice. The manifestation of divine wisdom on earth can only be established within this framework. The smallest deviation on the scales of justice leads to irreparable consequences. It is important that the weak are never oppressed by the strong. Our ancestors said, 'If you enter through the hard door, the custom will exit through the chimney.'

Our Council of State has been carrying out such a vital duty for 157 years. It resolves disputes between the public and citizens. A state that rules with justice is a state. No authority that allows injustice and cannot remedy grievances can sustain its existence. In a country where justice is shaken, you cannot establish peace, security, democracy, and tranquility. Our judges and prosecutors are fulfilling a very important responsibility. Effective, fast, and accessible justice is at the top of our government's priorities. We have implemented many regulations to strengthen the judiciary until today. We have supported this with our reform and strategy documents. We have left behind the painful memory of the law of the powerful during the tutelage periods and established the principle of the rule of law. Instead of a judiciary that applauds coups, we have established a judicial regime that delivers the judgment deserved by the coup plotters to the nation. We have added the principle of impartiality to the independence of the judiciary.

We have expanded our services in the judiciary across a very wide spectrum. We increased the number of first-instance courts from 146 in 2002 to 233, and we established regional administrative courts in 9 regions to conduct appellate reviews in a way that minimizes errors.

"WE WILL RIDE OVER THOSE WHO SEE THEMSELVES AS ABOVE THE LAW"

With the 4th judicial reform strategy document, we have taken our efforts even further. We shared with the public the regulations that will prevent the perception of impunity. We will not allow the understanding that those who commit crimes can get away with it to take root in society. We are determined to protect the rights of our citizens who comply with the laws. We will continue to ride over those who commit crimes and see themselves as above the law and the state.

"THERE WILL BE A HEAVY PRICE FOR WEAKNESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FETÖ"

Even after all the treachery that has emerged, our struggle against FETÖ, which has not given up ambushing the nation and the state, will continue to strengthen. The reality that while water sleeps, FETÖ's cells do not sleep is reminding us once again through operations. There will be heavy costs for weakness in the fight against FETÖ. History will repeat itself if lessons are not learned. We can prevent the recurrence of pains and betrayals by taking lessons from history. Otherwise, we would betray the oppressed who have tied their hopes to Turkey's strengthening. I believe that our judiciary will also show attention and vigilance.

"NO ONE CAN POINT FINGERS AT THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES"

Targeting our judiciary members, sometimes involving their families and children, and booing them in the squares is a great irresponsibility. Criticisms can be made while respecting the rules of courtesy, but no one can point fingers at the judicial authorities under the pretext of criticism. We expect your support in the steps we take to strengthen our internal integrity."