Turkey justice system crisis

On 29 July 2026, a Turkish parliament session highlighted a growing "justice crisis" as lawmakers pointed to prolonged pre‑trial detentions and sluggish court proceedings that strain the legal system and economy. Deputy Gülizar Biçer Karaca cited official statistics showing investigations lasting 155 days on average, first‑instance criminal cases taking 248 days, and appeals exceeding 600 days, and urged reforms to shorten trial times and improve access to justice, referencing high‑profile detention cases such as former Istanbul mayor Tunç Soyer and Üsküdar mayor Sinem Dedetaş.

The following day, 30 July 2026, public debate intensified around the same justice system after scandals involving senior officials—alleged corrupt wealth accumulation and a murder case linked to the Gülistan Doku incident—were reported. Critics connected these issues to the controversial "İnfaz Yasası," arguing the law is being used to suppress dissent and criminalise criticism. Analysts examined the legal terminology and warned that conflating legitimate criticism with criminal conduct could erode democratic oversight and public trust in the judiciary.