She reminded that many issues, such as court buildings, the insufficiency and safety of judicial personnel, and deficiencies in the law, have still not been resolved and that these problems have persisted for years.
Regarding recent judicial incidents in the country, Şefik stressed that the situation was very bad and noted that more effort is needed for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to become a state governed by the rule of law. She also pointed out that the awareness of acting according to rules and laws has eroded.
At the end of 2019, while still serving as the President of the Supreme Court, Şefik highlighted many deficiencies in her statements to Kibris Postasi, such as security and technical shortcomings in court buildings, the insufficient number of judges, and the safety of judicial personnel. She remarked, “I have not been in office since last May. I retired two months ago. However, I believe the same problems continue“.
Describing the judicial situation in the country as “very bad“, the former judge emphasised that the awareness of acting according to rules and laws has eroded. Şefik said, “Everyone should follow the rules, but the view that ‘everyone except me’ should follow them has started to prevail” in our country. She stressed that, “We want to be recognised, but we do not follow the rules. If we do not follow the rules, if justice does not prevail, the issue of recognition will not be easily resolved“.
When asked if a fundamental change to the constitution is needed, Şefik stated that there are deficiencies in our laws, but a fundamental constitutional change is not required. She added, “Regardless of the constitution, if the rules are not followed, no constitution will be effective“.
In response to the question, “In your opinion, is the TRNC a state governed by the rule of law?” former Chief Justice Şefik said, “Unfortunately, we need to work harder to become a state governed by the rule of law“.
