Asian justice forum rejects efforts to usurp democracy

ANKARA

An Asian regional forum for constitutional justice has "strongly" rejected any kind of unconstitutional effort to overthrow democracy in any country, just weeks after the resounding defeat of a violent putsch in Turkey.

The Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions, a group founded in 2010, made the declaration in a joint statement following a congress on Aug. 9-12 in Bali, Indonesia.

"We strongly reject any kind of unconstitutional or undemocratic attempt that aims to overthrow democracy or the rule of law in any country," the statement said.

It added: "We support any kind of effort that restores democratic rules and the constitutional order in Turkey [in the wake of the July 15 defeated coup] and we share Turkey's sorrow."

Speaking at the conference, Turkish Constitutional Court Chairman Zuhtu Arslan said the attempted coup had posed a "serious challenge" to Turkish democracy.

"As you know, recently Turkey experienced a coup attempt. Thank heaven this attempt failed due to our brave people, and our democratic regime continues," he added.

Following the July 15 coup attempt, around 26,000 people have been arrested across Turkey. Senior business figures as well as members of the military, police, judges, prosecutors, and teachers have been among those targeted.

At least 240 people were martyred in the coup attempt, which the government has said was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of leading a long-running campaign to overthrow the Turkish government through the infiltration of state institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

* Reporting by Aylin Sirikli : Writing by Diyar Guldogan