Şevket Kazan (7 December 1933, Sakarya – 9 March 2020, Ankara) was a Turkish jurist and politician. As one of the leading figures of the Milli Görüş movement, he served as Minister of Justice during two separate periods. He began his political career with the Milli Nizam Partisi and later held positions in the Milli Selamet Partisi, Refah Partisi, and Saadet Partisi. He played significant roles in the political history of the Republic of Türkiye, particularly during the 1970s and 1990s.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Early Years

Şevket Kazan was born on 7 December 1933 in the province of Sakarya. Limited information is available regarding his family background and childhood. He began his education at an early age and pursued his studies systematically.

Educational Background

After completing secondary education, he enrolled at the Faculty of Law of Istanbul University. He completed his legal education in 1971. Shortly after graduation, he began practicing as a freelance lawyer and quickly became active in both political and professional spheres.

Political and Professional Career

Entry into Politics

He entered politics in 1970 with the founding of the Milli Nizam Partisi (MNP). After the MNP was shut down by the Constitutional Court in 1971, he joined the Milli Selamet Partisi (MSP), which was established by the same leadership.

Parliamentary Membership and Ministerial Roles

• 1973: Elected as a Member of Parliament for Kocaeli from the MSP.
• 1974: Served as Minister of Justice in the newly formed CHP-MSP coalition government.
• 1976–1977: Held the position of Minister of Labor in the First Nationalist Front Government.
• 1980: Arrested following the military coup and detained for one year. He was acquitted in 1985 after a trial.
• 1991: Re-elected as a Member of Parliament from the Refah Partisi.
• 1996–1997: Appointed Minister of Justice for the second time during the Refahyol coalition government.

Political Views and Contributions

Legal and Political Orientation

Şevket Kazan became closely identified with the Milli Görüş movement. As a defender of its principles, he represented the party’s positions in legal matters, particularly focusing on judicial independence, criminal law, and political rights.

The Refahyol Period

In the Refah-Yol coalition government formed in 1996, he served as Minister of Justice for the second time and participated in various administrative reforms within the judiciary. During his tenure, he played an active role in matters concerning prisons and political trials.

Legal Proceedings and Later Years

The 28 February Process and Aftermath

Following the 28 February process, his parliamentary membership was revoked in 1998 and he was banned from political activity for five years. He complied with the judicial decision and suspended his political activities.

Period with the Saadet Partisi

After the lifting of the political ban, he joined the Saadet Partisi in 2003 and served as a member of its High Consultative Council. Within the party, he provided advisory expertise primarily on legal and constitutional issues.

Works and Publications

Legal Contributions

During his ministerial terms, improvements in prison conditions, legal reforms concerning political detainees, and judicial system reforms were among his key priorities.

The Sivas Case and Defenses

One of his most prominent public contributions was his defense of the defendants in the Sivas Incidents. This case generated significant political debate during its time.

Publications

Şevket Kazan has no published academic works or books. However, various speeches and statements he made are archived in the press records of the period.

Personal Life

Family and Private Life

He was married and a father of one child. He preferred to keep his family life private and away from public attention. Detailed information about his personal hobbies is not available.

Death

Kazan, who had been suffering from long-term health issues, passed away on 9 March 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Ankara, where he was receiving treatment.

Images

Minister of Justice Şevket Kazan holds a press conference on 30 April 1974. ( AA Archive - Anadolu Agency )

Şevket Kazan (third from left) attends the 20th anniversary meeting of Milli Görüş with Necmettin Erbakan, then General Chairman of the Refah Partisi, on 21 January 1990 (Salahattin Yılmaz - Anadolu Agency)