19.06.2026 14:01
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, speaking in Rize, stated that the fight against criminal organizations, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and new-generation gangs will be carried out decisively. Gürlek also noted that the legal regulation prepared within the scope of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process will be brought to Parliament soon, emphasizing that they will not allow any tutelage over the legal system.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek said, "We will fight to the end to eliminate all illegal formations that put our nation's peace and hopes for the future at risk. The Republic of Türkiye is a state of law. No one will be able to step outside the law. Those who see themselves and their organizational structure as greater than the Republic of Türkiye and engage in illegal activities will not be tolerated."
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made important statements in Rize, where he came for various contacts. Gürlek stated that the fight against criminal organizations, drug trafficking, virtual gambling, and new-generation gangs will continue resolutely, and said that the legal regulation regarding the Terror-Free Türkiye process will be presented to the Parliament shortly.
OFFICIAL CONTACTS IN RIZE
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, who came to Rize for various visits, first visited the Governorate. Gürlek, who was welcomed by Rize Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş and protocol members, made statements to the press after signing the Governorate Honor Book.
Gürlek emphasized that Rize is one of the cities where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's political journey began, expressing his pleasure at being in the city.
"JUSTICE IS A BRIDGE OF TRUST BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE NATION"
Stating that justice is not only a concept that manifests in courtrooms, Gürlek said that justice means fairness in public administration, honesty in trade, and a bridge of trust between the state and the nation.
Gürlek, noting that the path to being a strong state goes through a strong justice system, stated that facilitating citizens' access to justice is among their priorities.
STRONG MESSAGE AGAINST CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS AND DRUGS
Minister Gürlek stated that they have established new department presidencies and working groups to strengthen the justice system, and announced that they will continue the fight against unsolved cases, criminal organizations, new-generation gangs, virtual gambling and betting networks, and drug trafficking.
"We will fight drug organizations from the dealer to the baron," said Gürlek, emphasizing that all illegal structures threatening the peace of citizens will be targeted.
"THEY WILL NOT ESCAPE"
Stating that Türkiye is a state of law, Gürlek said in his message to criminal organizations, "Those who see themselves as greater than the Republic of Türkiye and engage in illegal activities will not be able to escape, no matter where they go in the world, and they will be held accountable before the Turkish judiciary."
He also announced that within the scope of the 12th Judicial Package on the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, there are regulations envisaging increases in penalties for certain crimes.
LEGISLATION PREPARATION FOR "TERROR-FREE TÜRKİYE"
Gürlek also made evaluations regarding the "Terror-Free Türkiye" process supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.
Stating that significant progress has been made in the process, Gürlek said that a bill will be submitted to the Parliament shortly.
"The Terror-Free Türkiye project, one of the most important stages of the Türkiye Century, will also be crowned with law," said Gürlek, expressing that they expect the regulation to come into effect soon.
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE IMPOSITION OF TUTELAGE OVER THE JUDICIARY"
Stating that the Turkish judiciary makes its decisions only in line with the Constitution, laws, and the judicial authority exercised in the name of the nation, Gürlek said they will not allow any tutelage to be imposed over the legal system.
Gürlek concluded his statements by emphasizing that the independence of the judiciary will be protected today, as in the past.