Turkey's court decides not to close AKP

Turkey's Constitutional Court rejected demands to close the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Wednesday. Hasim Kilic, the court chairman, said the political parties should make legal arrangements to toughen conditions for party closure and urged for national unity.

Six members voted in favor of closing the party, the court chairman told at a press conference. Hasim Kilic said he voted against the closure, while the remaining four members of the court said the AKP has shown signs of being a focal point of anti-secular activities but not in an extent to deserve to be closed. At least seven members must vote in favor for a party closure.