Prosecutor suspended from duty after opening investigation into Covid measures

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A prosecutor has been suspended from duty as he is investigated over social media videos where he claims that coronavirus measures are illegal.

On May 18, Urfa Viranşehir Public Prosecutor Eyüp Akbulut shared the videos, showing his identity card and saying he might be dismissed because of his statements.

He alleged that illegal practices were going on in people's vaccination for the coronavirus and announced that he had opened ex-officio investigations into both the vaccination and measures.

He said curfews, mask mandate, physical distancing rules and travel bans were illegal and called on citizens to send him any evidence they had.

About measures taken by provincial public hygiene committees, Akbulut said, "A law saying that governors take necessary measures means nothing in terms of these restrictions. Otherwise, governors can order us to do unreasonable things."

The 2nd Chamber of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) yesterday (May 20) concluded that the prosecutor's "continuation of the duty in his current state will harm the authority and reputation of the judicial power."

The HSK temporarily dismissed Akbulut as per article 77 of the Law on Judges and Prosecutors.

Suspension from the Office - Article 77

If it is concluded that continuation of the profession of investigated judge and prosecutor will harm sound operation of investigation or ascendancy and honor of judicial power, he/she may be suspended from the office or appointed to another judicial province until the end of the investigation by decision of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors. Above measures may be taken at any stage of investigation or criminal proceedings.

(HA/VK)

Prosecutor suspended from duty after opening investigation into Covid measures

İstanbul

Suspension from the Office - Article 77