The Constitutional Court began discussing the closure case for the Justice and Development Party (AKP) at 9:30 yesterday. The court will work non-stop until it reaches a decision.

According to a last minute report of milliyet.com.tr, the AKP made a recusation demand for the four asil member of the court, including Haşim Kılıç and Osman Paksüt.

The court is made up of President Haşim Kılıç, Acting President Osman Paksüt, members Fulya Kantarcıoğlu, Ahmet Akyalçın, Sacit Adalı, Mehmet Erten, Necmi Özler, Şevket Apalak, Serdar Özgüldür, Serruh Kaleli and Ayla Pektaş.

Rapporteur Osman Can will join the discussions as well in order to answer questions or present explanations regarding the report. The rapporteur’s conclusion was to reject the closure case.

The court will also discuss the allegations against the 71 AKP members and evaluate the evidence against them.

The court may ask for more information and documents from both the Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor and the AKP.

According to the Constitution, a qualified majority is needed to close a political party. Therefore, 7 out of 11 members of the Constitutional Court must approve the closure. According to article 69 of the Constitution, the court may decide to cut the treasury aid to the AKP either partially or completely rather than closing the party permanently. (NZ/EZÖ/TB)