Chief Public Prosecutor Files Lawsuit For Closure Of Ak Party

ANKARA - Chief Public Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya filed a lawsuit on Friday and asked the Constitutional Court to close Turkey`s ruling Justice & Development (AK) Party, saying "it has become the focal point of anti-secular activities".
Yalcinkaya sent his indictment late on Friday to the Constitutional Court. The court will send the indictment to AK Party for its preliminary defense following a preliminary investigation. AK Party has to submit its preliminary defense to the court within a month. Following this procedure, chief prosecutor Yalcinkaya will express his views regarding the merits of the case.
Later on, Yalcinkaya will make verbal explanation and AK Party will make verbal defense on the case. Following this procedure, court rapporteur will compile information and document regarding the case and prepare his report. Prosecutor and AK Party can submit additional evidences or defense to the court during the case.
Once this report is handed to 11 members of the court, Chief Judge of the Constitutional Court Hasim Kilic will set a date for a court meeting to start debates on the case.
According to the constitution, 7 votes out of 11 judges are required for the closure of a political party.
(TÇ-AY)