President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Kadir Özkaya received Mr. Akram Ismail Hasan Al-Khatib, Chief Public Prosecutor of the State of Palestine and accompanying delegation, who were invitees of the Justice Academy of Türkiye.

The delegation was welcomed at President Kadir Özkaya’s office with the participation of Vice-President Mr. Basri Bağcı, Members Mr. Engin Yıldırım, Mr. Rıdvan Güleç, Mr. Recai Akyel, Mr. Selahaddin Menteş, Mr. İrfan Fidan, Mr. Kenan Yaşar, Mr. Yılmaz Akçil, Mr. Ömer Çınar, and Mr. Metin Kıratlı, as well as Mr. Bekir Altun, President of the Justice Academy of Türkiye.

Pointing out deep-rooted bonds between two countries, President Kadir Özkaya expressed contentment for hosting the Palestine delegation.

Expressing his concerns over grave violations of human rights committed in Palestine, President Özkaya indicated that atrocities committed would be recorded as among the darkest chapters in the history of humanity

Touching upon initiatives undertaken and remarks made regarding the Palestinian cause in several international platforms, President Özkaya stated: “The Bangkok Declaration has been signed in the 6th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC). As a result of initiatives of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, the Declaration highlighted the gross violations of human rights, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and expressed the common commitment of the signatories to act in unity and solidarity against any actions that threaten lives, security, freedom, and dignity of individuals. Likewise, at the 6th Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ) held in Spain in October, we stated that the lawlessness, atrocities, armed conflicts and wars perpetrated against humanity in various parts of the world have caused immense and irreparable damage to cultural heritage, particularly one of the gravest damages in Palestine. We voiced the same concerns at the J20 Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Palestinian cause remains a collective concern for us. I sincerely hope this injustice will come to an end as soon as possible. As the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, we stand ready to provide any form of cooperation and support.”

Drawing attention to President Kadir Özkaya's remarks on Gaza, Chief Public Prosecutor of the State of Palestine Mr. Akram Ismail Hasan Al-Khatib stated: “Your firm stance on the Palestinian cause is always appreciated. With the support of our friends and those dear to us, we find reassurance.”

Indicating that Israel’s actions can be openly witnessed by anybody, Chief Public Prosecutor Akram Al-Khatib said: “Few could have imagined that the Israeli Government would one day be tried before the International Court of Justice. Yet, we are witnessing this very fact today. The arrest warrant issued in this context is a remarkable development. The picture is becoming clearer with each passing day. Israel's crimes have become clearly revealed to everyone since 7 October.”

Noting that Justice Academy of Türkiye organised a training programme for the accompanying judges and prosecutors, Chief Public Prosecutor Akram Al-Khatib stated: “As the judiciary, we will continue to strengthen ourselves so that the state can stand strong. We will maintain our efforts to stand firm on our own land and never abandon our homeland.”