Özerdağ: "Judicial Independence Must Be Respected, and Court Decisions Must Be Unconditionally Followed"

Özerdağ highlighted that public oversight is essential for enhancing trust in justice and establishing a well-organized public order. He pointed out that recent challenges related to property claims, which are part of the Cyprus issue, should be resolved in accordance with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). This includes addressing property disputes in light of the broader Cyprus problem and taking into account recent developments on the island.

He emphasized that judicial independence is a fundamental component of the state and must be protected from interference by the legislative and executive branches. Özerdağ warned against prolonged pre-trial detentions that infringe upon the principle of presumption of innocence, advocating for prompt investigations and trials to prevent such issues.

Özerdağ also addressed the need for better judicial infrastructure and an increased budget for the judiciary. He noted that the High Court, currently housed in a historic building in Lefkoşa, requires new facilities to meet its operational needs. Efforts to build a new High Court building are ongoing.

He concluded by commending the judiciary's performance, stating that, as of June 2024, the courts have been recognized as the most trusted institution in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). This reflects the judiciary's success in maintaining high standards of reliability and integrity.