The particulars of Turkish democracy sometimes test the relationship between the United States and Turkey. Without a doubt, among government institutions the judiciary has always had the weakest bond with the Turkish people, who question its independence and thus its legitimacy. Many wonder if equal treatment and fair trials are possible in Turkey. Given the track record of the Turkish judiciary, U.S. ambassadors to Ankara have occasionally been moved to comment on issues concerning the machinations of this branch of government. As everything starts with a point of view, their remarks are sometimes welcomed, but as one might expect, are also sometimes slammed. What makes the difference? Whether they side with or against the ruling party.
Take for instance the differing experiences of Francis J. Ricciardone Jr. and Ross Wilson, current and former U.S. ambassadors to Ankara, respectively, after they made comments on issues concerning the judiciary. In May 2008, Ambassador Wilson remarked on the Constitutional Court case filed by state prosecutors against the Justice and Development Party (AKP), in which they alleged that the party was fomenting anti-secular activities and asked that it be banned from politics. In Ankara, Wilson had said, “We’re also following the case with great interest and a bit of worry. Turkey has strong democratic institutions and traditions. I hope and expect that this case will be resolved in the context of these strong democratic institutions and traditions.” Wilson’s comments were interpreted by some as concern that the verdict might go against the AKP.
