President of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Mr. Robert Spano, who is on a two-day official visit to Türkiye, visited Mr. Mehmet Akarca. Mr. Spano was accompanied by the national judge at ECHR, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saadet Yüksel and Second Section Registrar Hasan Bakırcı. The meeting was attended by Mr. Bekir Şahin, the Chief Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation, Mr. Eyüp Yeşil, the President of the 16th Criminal Chamber, and Mr. Fevzi Yıldırım, Secretary General of the Court of Cassation.    

Mr. Mehmet Akarca, President of the Court of Cassation stated that the reforms regarding the rule of law and human rights in Türkiye are proceeding and judicial packages are put into practice for this purpose. He also added that the Superior Courts Network, established within the body of the ECHR, has facilitated judges and public prosecutors to follow ECHR case-law. Giving information about the Court of Cassation and the Turkish judicial system, Mr. Akarca recorded that the establishment of regional appellate courts have considerably reduced the number of files, as a result of this, the role of the Court of Cassation as ensuring stare decisis in Türkiye gained power. He also expressed his great satisfaction with the visit made.

            Mr. Robert Spano, President of ECHR, expressed that this visit has allowed him to acquire useful information about Türkiye. He stated that all the judges in the European Region should develop a common understanding of law regarding the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights, in order to achieve this, it would be beneficial for everyone to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. He recorded that the difference of opinion between the ECHR and the national courts from time to time is by its very nature, so being aware of this fact, a common understanding and balance must be developed with good will and cooperation

             Türkiye’s elected judge at ECHR, Assoc. Prof.Dr. Saadet Yüksel pointed out the importance of dialogue between judges and stated that it would be beneficial to hold regular working group meetings between the judges of the Court of Cassation and judges of ECHR as in the past, in this way, a balance and harmonization can be achieved in areas of dissensus.