24 Jun Turkeys Constitutional Court’s Ruling on Law 7262: A Step Towards Protecting Civil Society
In a recent ruling of Turkeys’ Constitutional Court regarding the application by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) for the annulment of certain provisions of Law 7262 on the Prevention of Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction, a significant development has unfolded in the countries legal landscape, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the protection of civil liberties and the balance of power between state institutions and civil society.
The genesis of Law 7262 stemmed from parliamentary initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily focused on implementing United Nations Security Council decisions related to preventing the financing of weapons of mass destruction. However, scrutiny of the law revealed substantial amendments to existing legislation, notably the Law on Associations, raising concerns about its impact on civil society.
Upon its enactment, Law 7262 introduced several measures affecting associations and their governance, including restrictions on individuals with certain criminal convictions from serving in association governing bodies, mandatory annual risk assessments and audits, and requirements for pre-reporting overseas aid. Moreover, the law empowered the Minister of the Interior to remove individuals facing trial for specified crimes from office, temporarily suspend association activities, and appoint public administrators to governing bodies.
In response to these measures, the CHP initiated legal proceedings seeking the annulment of select provisions of Law 7262. While the Constitutional Court partially granted the CHP’s request, some critical omissions in their petition left certain provisions intact. Notably, the court annulled Article 30/A, which conferred extensive authority to the Minister of the Interior over associations, citing lack of clarity. This decision effectively curtails the Minister of the Interior power to suspend activities, remove governing bodies, and appoint trustees, thereby safeguarding the autonomy of associations.
Despite the court’s ruling, challenges remain in reconciling legislative intent with constitutional principles. The annulment, effective from 3 January 2025, provides a window for parliamentary intervention to address the court’s concerns. However, the broader issue of legislative overreach and its implications for civil society necessitates ongoing vigilance and advocacy. While the Constitutional Court’s ruling represents a significant victory for civil society in Turkey, it underscores the need for sustained efforts to uphold democratic values and protect fundamental rights. As the country navigates complex socio-political dynamics, the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional principles remains paramount in ensuring a robust framework for democratic governance.