[JURIST] Thousands of lawyers and judges in Turkey [JURIST news archive] protested a new law Sunday that they believe will undermine judicial independence by changing the appointment process for judges and prosecutors. The new law requires a justice ministry interview as part of the appointment process, which critics believe will politicize the selection process. Protesters also condemned Turkish President Abdullah Gul [official website; JURIST news archive] for his quick approval of the legislation, just days after he received the legislation from parliament.

Television footage indicated that the demonstrators numbered between 5,000 to 10,000, though no official numbers have been released. Reuters has more.