Arinc cited as the reason for the resignation the challenge that may be posed to the announced judicial reform process by his recent remarks criticising the jailing of prominent Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas and a philanthropist Osman Kavala.
Erdogan on Sunday slammed Arinc over his remarks, accusing the former deputy prime minister of using the government's judicial reform plans to "set a fire of discord’’ in the country, while dismissing the release of Kavala and Demirtas.
Former chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Demirtas, has been in prison for more than four years while Kavala, a philanthropist accused of helping organise the coup attempt of July 2016, has been jailed for more than three years.
"I have decided that is best I resign from my duty as High Advisory Council member,’’ Arinc said, "as I am worried that my remarks, which have been taken into different directions through individuals, will prevent reform efforts.’’
Earlier this month, Erdogan announced far-reaching economic and judicial reforms geared towards stabilising the legal situation and improving the country’s investment climate.
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