Türkiye rejects French criticism of judicial system as 'interference'

Türkiye has strongly rejected a statement by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs criticising ongoing judicial proceedings in the country, calling it political interference.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, "We categorically reject the statement made today (7 July) by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which constitutes an interference in the ongoing judicial processes in our country."

Ankara stated that Türkiye is a state governed by the rule of law and that legal proceedings are carried out independently and in full compliance with the Constitution and national legislation. It added that all citizens are entitled to fair and impartial trials.

The ministry also criticised France for what it called a double standard, pointing to domestic legal developments in Paris.

“Considering that the leader of France’s main opposition party has been sentenced to imprisonment by a court decision—consequently being rendered ineligible to stand for election—and that judicial proceedings concerning certain mayors remain ongoing, the aforementioned statement clearly reflects a double standard,” it said.

The ministry urged French authorities to respect Türkiye’s judicial sovereignty and refrain from politically motivated remarks about the internal affairs of other countries.

“We advise France to respect Türkiye’s domestic legal system and judicial independence, refrain from politically motivated statements regarding other countries, and instead focus on addressing its own internal matters,” it added.

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