Gul approves law allowing defense in mother tongue

Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Wednesday approved a law which legalizes the use of languages other than Turkish in court and which was passed in Parliament on Friday. In line with Gul's approval, the law will be published in the Official Gazette to take effect. A statement released by the Presidential Office on Wednesday said the president had approved a constitutional reform package which also includes a change that allows defendants to use their mother tongue in court. The statement notes that the Presidency has sent the decision to the Prime Ministry for publication. According to the law, a defendant could make a defense in court in a language s/he feels more comfortable. Interpreters for the defendants will be chosen from the lists prepared by provincial judicial committees by the defendant himself/herself. Moreover, judges and prosecutors shall not be restricted to select the interpreters only from their province but from the list of other provinces.