“The hammer of justice can break sledgehammers and cages,” lawyer Murat Aktürk, the spokesperson of the group said, reading a press statement. The group of 100 lawyers who convened in front of the courthouse condemned planned military interventions against a government that came to power through elections and against the democratic preferences of the public. The lawyers held a large placard that said “The hammer of justice will put an end to sledgehammers.”
Noting that the lawyers are anxiously following the latest developments, the statement read: “Almost every day plots that target democracy, the national will and most importantly the public itself emerge. Concepts such as ‘Feb. 28, ‘Ayışığı’ [Moonlight], ‘Sarıkız’ [Blonde Girl], ‘postmodern coup,’ ‘Kafes’ [Cage] and ‘Balyoz’ [Sledgehammer] have also taken their place on the most embarrassing pages of our history with the sick mindsets, obsolete opinions and distasteful actions they harbor.”
The statement further noted that explanations made after coup plans come out do not satisfy the public, adding that they, as lawyers who believe in the rule of law, are against such a pro-coup mentality and always will be.
The lawyers also voiced demands for a civilian constitution to replace the 1982 Constitution, which they say was prepared with a pro-coup mindset.
