Yildirim backs Turkish justice in call to EU chief

By Ismail Ozdemir

ISTANBUL

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has backed the Turkish justice system in a telephone call to European Parliament President Martin Schulz, a source at the premier’s office said Saturday.

In the call on Friday, Yildirim said Turkey’s judiciary was independent and that Turkey was guided by the rule of law and the separation of powers.

He said some circles in Europe had made unfortunate statements about Turkey based on prejudicial, false and incomplete information, the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Yildirim also emphasized Turkey’s fight against terrorist organizations such as the PKK and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization.

He said there could be no exceptions under the law for terrorist supporters. The conversation came after the arrests of several Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmakers -after they failed to appear for testimony in terror investigation- on Friday led to concern among Europe’s leaders.

Schulz responded by saying EU leaders were closely following developments in Turkey and calling for further cooperation.