Western World concerned about developments in Turkey after coup attempt
Following the failed coup attempt on July 15th 2016 and the measures taken by the AK PARTY government have been a major concern for the western world as Turkey has always been a close ally and strong trade partner.
In fact some serious warnings have been declared by important establishments and organizations. Among them Amnesty International is certainly the most influential and much respected civil organization.
In statement circulated by said organization it said “The three-month-long state of emergency declared in Turkey over a coup attempt should not stir a roll-back in human rights and in protection against arbitrary detention and torture”.
The organization also stated that “Emergency measures must respect Turkey’s obligations under international law, should not discard hard won freedoms and human rights safeguards, and must not become permanent while taking measures for public security is understandable”
Andrew Gardner, Turkey researcher for Amnesty International said “In a situation where almost 10,000 people are currently in detention, amidst allegations of ill-treatment in custody, and when government ministries and media institutions are being purged, the enhanced powers afforded by the state of emergency could pave the way for a further roll back on human rights”.
Mr. Gardner also said “The suspension of the European Convention on Human Rights, which was announced by Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım is a chilling harbinger of what is to come. Under international law, there are certain rights, like the right to a fair trial and bans on torture and discrimination, which can never be suspended or limited in any way.”
Amnesty Turkey stated that emergency measures could cause “arbitrary restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly”, while civil servants’ right to appeal their suspensions and dismissals could be refused. It was also mentioned by the organization that the government had abused existing laws and the state of emergency gave them increased scope to continue on this dangerous path”.
The international law dictates that emergency measures must be necessary and proportionate in scope and duration and only used to counter genuine security threats to the nation. Also, they must be carefully monitored, temporary, and employed judiciously, that is, only when absolutely required. Moreover “International law cannot be violated even in times of emergency”.
