Turkish Justice Minister says AKP will draft family law 'from scratch'

Duvar English

Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç on Aug. 31 said that they will draft the family law “from scratch.” 

Speaking about “the indefinite alimony” system, Tunç told NTV in a live broadcast that “We have a comprehensive study on the family law in particular. We will (draft) the family law from scratch. It is necessary to bring mediation in the family law. It is not possible in its current form.”

“In fact, the practice of mediation in the field of family law in many countries is going well. There can be mediation practice regarding divorce, compensation, alimony issues. We need to alleviate the suffering of the citizens,” Tunç added.

His remarks came one month after Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said that they are working on ending “indefinite alimony” payments.

“Some people got married in the 1990s. The practice of paying indefinite alimony cannot be acceptable,” Göktaş said on July 26, and added that “We stand by victim men as well, if there are any. We need to listen to them as well. After all, we are the family ministry. We are a ministry that appeals to women, men, young people, the elderly and the disabled. If there is victimization, we need to listen to it.”