New Bill Brings PM Consent in Military Chief Prosecutions

Admitted by the cabinet on January 13, Defense Ministry submitted a draft bill, proposing revisions on Turkey’s military service law. 

The draft bill will make an addendum (15/A) to Article 15 of No 353 Law on Establishment of Military Courts and Tribunal Methods. 

According to the bill draft, Head of Turkish Army, Force Commanders are ordered to stand trial in the Supreme Court for charges related to their profession. Prosecutions on those commanders except the gendarmerie chief are subject to Prime Minister’s consent. On the other hand, prosecutions on the gendarmerie chief are subject to Interior Minister’s consent. 

The new draft also facilitated the effectuation of calls or complaints submitted by anonymous individuals, people with alias or submission without a signature. 

Turkey’s compulsory drafting age, on the other hand, will rise from 20 to 21. (EKN/BM)