Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Dec 5 2007
Turkey to promote international image with English TCK
The translator of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) into English has said
with the translation Turkey aims to promote its image in the
international arena.
The English version of the TCK was prepared by Associate Professor
Vahit Býçak and Barrister Edward Grieves. In an exclusive interview
with Today’s Zaman, Professor Býçak, former chairman of the Prime
Ministry Human Rights Council, stated that the translation of the TCK
into English was completed in February and was published in September
by Seçkin Publishing. He noted that the translation of the TCK aims
at promoting Turkey’s international image, marred following the
assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink and the
killings of three Christians in Malatya. Býçak said the English
version of the TCK is the first of its kind. "It is true that certain
provisions of the TCK were formerly translated into English, but it
was not translated as a whole. Thus, our full version is the first of
its kind," he commented.
Stating that his translation is divided into two volumes, Býçak
noted: "The first volume contains general provisions such as basic
definitions, jurisdictional issues and general principles. The second
volume deals with different types of offenses such as genocide,
offences against humanity, types of killings and so on." Býçak
indicated that his translation was edited by Grieves, adding that it
took six months to complete it. Upon a question over why he felt the
need to embark on such a project, Býçak answered: "The Justice
Ministry asked me to translate the TCK, and I accepted this request
with pleasure. My initial objective with such a project was to
contribute to the better representation of the Turkish justice system
in the international arena. We all know that the international
community closely follows the Turkish justice and penal systems,
especially after the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist
Dink and the killings of three Christians in Malatya. I believe that
the English version of the TCK will help foreign jurists understand
the Turkish justice system better." Býçak stated that he stuck to the
original form of the provisions throughout the translation process.
"I paid significant attention to translate the provisions word for
word because if you resort to interpretation while translating a
document you unavoidably comment on it and it change the original
makeup of the document." Recalling that he went through very hard
times throughout his study, Býçak said translating the TCK was harder
than he expected. "I am not a translator, but translation of a penal
code is not something that should be performed by a translator
because it requires a great deal of specialization in the field. As
soon as it was published, I received very positive feedback not only
from representatives of national institutions but also from the
international community. I believe that we made up for a significant
deficiency in Turkey with this project."
Býçak also stated that the translation project could be used as a
fundamental reference in annual progress reports released by the
European Union on Turkey’s progress toward EU membership. "Our
project was closely followed by internationally renowned academics,
and it was appreciated by jurists, researchers and representatives of
national and foreign institutions. Until now, the Turkish penal
system was misunderstood by the international community, particularly
due to an absence of translation of the TCK as a whole and the
repercussions of debates over the notorious Article 301 of the TCK in
the international media. But from now on, I believe that foreign
jurists will have the opportunity to revise our legal system and
misunderstandings will be eradicated."
Upon a question over whether he would consider continuing with such
translation projects, Býçak noted he would like to translate the Code
on Criminal Procedure (CMUK) if he finds a sponsor to finance this.
"Such projects which aim at better representing Turkey in the
international arena should be supported by the Turkish promotion
fund."
05.12.2007
BETÜL AKKAYA ÝSTANBUL
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
