 On 6 March 2014, the Constitutional Court of Turkey overturned Başbuğ's conviction and ordered his release, ruling in favor of a complaint filed by Başbuğ on the grounds that his legal rights had been violated.The next day, on 7 March, the Istanbul 20th Heavy Penal Court complied with the supreme court's decision and overturned Başbuğ's conviction.He was released to cheering crowds later that day, with President Abdullah Gül saying that he considered the overturning of Başbuğ's conviction "a very precious decision" and Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç echoing his sentiments.