Erdogan moves to block inquiries

Turkey’s parliament was due on the 16 February 2012 to grant the Prime Minister powers to block investigations into some officials – the latest in a battle within Turkey pitting the government against judicial authorities.

Some commentators see the tensions between police, prosecutors and the government as the result of an attempt to prevent negotiations with the fighters of the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, which is classified as a terrorist group in Turkey and elsewhere.

Turkey's main opposition accused the prime minister of trying to tighten his grip on the security services with the proposed law that would curb the powers of the judiciary to investigate senior intelligence officials.

ESO: Background information: Turkey vows revenge for Kurdish attacks http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-vows-revenge-for-kurdish-attacks/

Wikipedia: National Intelligence Organization (Turkey) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Intelligence_Organization_(Turkey)

Reuters, 14.2.12: Turkish opposition blasts new government spy bill http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/14/us-turkey-intelligence-idUSTRE81D21K20120214

Today's Zaman, 15.2.12: Bill on MİT immunity comes to Parliament floor http://www.todayszaman.com/news-271540-bill-on-mit-immunity-comes-to-parliament-floor.html

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