Ankara public prosecutor Doğan Öz was killed in the run-up to the Sept. 12, 1980 coup after attempting to investigate illegal networks nested within the state, known in Turkey as the “deep state.” Sezen Öz, who is also a retired judge, said that for the first time in Turkey such big democratic step is being taken with the reform package. “I am supporting the amendments to the current Constitution, which will never fit the spirit of Turkey, and I will say ‘yes’ in the referendum,” she said.
On Sept. 12 the nation will vote on a number of constitutional amendments approved by Parliament in May. Among other things, the reform package includes changes to the structure of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK). Furthermore, the package repeals Article 15 of the Constitution, which gives immunity to the generals responsible for the Sept. 12, 1980 coup.
Sezen Öz has actually become an important figure in Turkish political history. She said the necessary democratic milieu for putting an end to political murders that often remain unsolved should be creates as fast as possible. She also says the referendum on the government’s package that will be held on Sept. 12 -- the anniversary of the 1980 coup -- is an important step on the path to democracy. Expressing her opinion that this is the first time a significant change is being introduced in the name of democracy in a long time, Öz said she will vote yes in the referendum and called on everyone who believes in democracy to also vote yes. She said as a grieving family, the pain they have had to endure over the long years would be somewhat alleviated if the package passes. “We are the victims of the deep state in this country that constantly stages coups and changes the law as it wishes. Families like us have never been able to defend their rights before the state. For the first time, there is a desire to change this constitution that is completely not worthy of Turkey. I completely support this amendment. The coup stagers will have to answer before the law,” she said, adding that this is an important opportunity to hold the coup participants accountable.
Öz applauded the changes being introduced to the structure of the HSYK and the Constitutional Court, saying the new structure would ensure the impartiality of the high judiciary.
