Independence Tribunals (Turkey)

The independence of courts ( Turkish Independence Tribunals ) were Turkish special courts that were established during the Turkish War of Independence with the Law No. 21 for deserters ( Firariler hakkinda Kanun ) of 11 September 1920. The courts negotiated cases of treason, desertion, endangering state security and espionage. In particular, violations of the law 2 on treason ( Hıyanet -i Vataniye Kanunu ) of 29 April 1920, being negotiated. Furthermore, the courts striking down local, religiously based, anti- nationalist revolts served.

According to Article 2 of Law No. 29 on the independence of courts ( İstiklâl Mehâkimi Kanunu; later Independence Tribunals Kanunu ) from July 31, 1922 every dish with a president, two members, a prosecutor and a substitute member was occupied. These were elected by secret ballot by and from the ranks of the Grand National Assembly by an absolute majority.

From October 1920 to May 1923 a total of 3,919 persons of independence courts were sentenced to death. An appeal against judgments of the Court was not possible. According to article 6 of Law No. 29, the prosecutor had the right to appeal judgments within three days. Death sentences needed - except in cases of special urgency - in accordance with Article 5 of Law No 29 of confirmation by the Grand National Assembly. The penalties included, among other things, corporal punishment, fines, forced labor, imprisonment and death sentences. The court could let houses burn down a punishment of offenders or even enlist family members of deserters to military service.

Independence, there were dishes in Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, Isparta, Sivas, Kastamonu, Pozantı, Diyarbakir, Yozgat and Samsun.

Under the Act, Takrir -i Sükûn Kanunu two courts were re-established between 1925 and 1927. These were located in Ankara and Diyarbakir.