Intervention by Yiorgos Loukaides in the debate on: The functioning of democratic institutions in Turkey

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Spring Summit, 24-28th April 2017

When the failed coup d’état in Turkey took place last July, there was a general and unequivocal denunciation by the whole of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Our national delegation, although representing a country which for 42 years is still under an illegal semi-occupation by Turkey, did not hesitate to join its voice with everyone in the Assembly and denounce the attempt to overthrow the lawful government of Turkey.

We knew that the possible prevalence of the coup d’état would mean further authoritarianism, brutal repression for the people, the administration of the country through decrees, the imprisonment of citizens and elected officials, the silencing of the press and dangerous adventurist actions in Turkey’s foreign policy. Unfortunately, however, these actions are taking place today as well, despite the fact the coup did not prevail, and indeed against parties and figures in Turkey who have from the beginning denounced the coup, such as the leadership of HDP.

Instead of a democratic response to reverse the reasons that still permit the manifestation of coup d’états in Turkey, the ruling party chose the path of further deepening the deficits in the democratic operation of institutions, the rule of law and protection of human rights. In particular, the state of emergency has been in force for eight months, allowing the Turkish authorities to suspend freedoms and rights, carry out massive prosecutions that are tantamount to a pogrom against opponents or alleged opponents of the Erdogan government. MP’s, mayors, journalists, trade unionists, academics, judges, civil servants, activists and ordinary citizens are being prosecuted and/or imprisoned in their thousands. Social organizations, newspapers and mass media are being banned.

“Counter-terrorism” legislation is being used to strengthen repression and silencing. The situation in southeastern Turkey, where house and arbitrary arrests, as well as bloody police operations are continuing also remains extremely worrying.

The 16th April referendum, which was conducted within the context of this democratic deficit, has highlighted even more intensely the deep social and political divisions inside the country, while its effect on the adoption of constitutional changes raises justifiable concerns about the very perspective of the democratic Government in the country.

Turkey, as a founding member of the Council of Europe, has to listen to the recommendations of the Report we have before us. Above all, however, it must listen to its own people, a large section of which is suffering from a suffocating oppression, which undoubtedly leads to a dangerous and explosive in character polarization. The Turkish government must end the state of emergency and release all the imprisoned MP’s and journalists; restore the freedom of expression and the freedom of the mass media in the country; review the counter-terrorism legislation; terminate the impunity of the security forces; ensure the right to a fair trial; not proceed with the return of the death penalty, as this is in conflict with the very capacity of a member of the Council of Europe.

However, until all of these – and others that are recorded in the relevant resolution – the PACE has no option other than to again put Turkey under a monitoring status.

I want to conclude my intervention by expressing our solidarity with the communists, the left and democratic citizens, the workers’ movement, the struggling Kurds and all those inside Turkey who are waging a heroic struggle for democracy, freedom and justice in their homeland.