Chief Justice Bertan Özerdağ: Judge Numbers in TRNC Are Half of What They Should Be

Assuming our population is 500,000, we should have 110 judges. However, we currently have 50, meaning each judge handles double the number of cases they should," Özerdağ said during his appearance on the program Gündem on Kıbrıs Postası TV, hosted by Ulaş Barış.

Judiciary Challenges and Future Plans

Discussing the judiciary's general state, infrastructure needs, court processes, and future projects, Özerdağ underscored that while challenges persist, efforts to find solutions are ongoing. He affirmed that the judiciary remains reliable and trustworthy.

"Although problems still exist, we are actively working on solutions. The judiciary is functioning well, and we continue our work as we have in the past," he stated.

Judge Shortages and Infrastructure Issues

Özerdağ highlighted that the increasing population demands more judges. "Recruiting judges is not easy. We need trustworthy and well-trained individuals," he said.

He also pointed out the inadequacy of physical court infrastructure and ongoing work to establish new criminal courts. "By the end of 2025, we may open a new criminal court, but this requires preparatory work, including rooms, courtrooms, and audio recording systems," he explained.

Plans for a new Supreme Court building in the Metehan area are also in motion as part of a protocol between the TRNC and Turkey. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

Detention Periods: A Sensitive Issue

Addressing concerns over extended detention periods, Özerdağ stressed the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence. "While detention is not inherently unlawful, courts must consider the severity of the crime and potential risks when deciding on detention. If risks are minimal, detention should be reduced," he noted.

He added that sometimes individuals not detained during trials flee the country or interfere with witnesses, which complicates the process further.

Advancing Technological Capabilities

Regarding the judiciary’s technological advancements, Özerdağ announced the launch of the English version of the Mahkemelernet website and ongoing work on AI-assisted summarization of court rulings. "We aim to continue this project in 2025, keeping pace with courts in the South in technological terms," he said.

Chief Justice Bertan Özerdağ also highlighted the importance of the right to be forgotten, explaining that the Supreme Court is working on measures to address the visibility of personal data on social media and official records. He also emphasized the significance of conditional release in preventing reoffending, stating that failure to address responsibilities could lead to individuals committing crimes again after serving their sentences.

Özerdağ noted a rise in financial crimes in recent years, stressing that such offenses are often linked to other criminal activities. He pointed out that both the police and courts have been working to enhance their capabilities in dealing with these cases effectively.

Judiciary and Politics

On the intersection of politics and the judiciary, Özerdağ remarked, "Everyone has the right to seek legal recourse, but I believe political issues should be resolved within political frameworks. We approach these matters professionally."

Özerdağ concluded by reiterating that the judiciary is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities and addressing the challenges it faces.