The European Parliament calls on Turkey to stop the democratic backsliding following a visit on human rights.

Members of the European Parliament warn that the deterioration of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in Turkey risks blocking any progress in the relationship with the European Union.

A delegation from the European Parliament has urged Turkish authorities to stop the democratic backsliding, respect the independence of the judiciary, and release political prisoners, at the end of an official visit to Turkey focused on the human rights situation.

In brief

The first visit of the Subcommittee on Human Rights in the current legislature

Members of the European Parliament complain about the lack of independence of the judiciary and the restriction of civic space

Visits to opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu and philanthropist Osman Kavala

Conclusions will be used in the European Parliament's annual report on Turkey

According to a statement from the European Parliament, members of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) found, following an official visit to Türkiye, the existence of systemic issues related to the independence of the judiciary, the functioning of the rule of law, and the respect for fundamental freedoms.

Members of the European Parliament drew attention to the practice of dismissing local opposition elected officials and replacing them with appointed administrators, as well as to legislation and practices that limit the activities of civil society and independent media. The delegation held meetings with all parliamentary parties, representatives of the government, civil society, and independent journalists, as well as with international organizations and EU-funded projects.

A central moment of the visit was the meetings with the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, and philanthropist Osman Kavala, both of whom are in detention, considered by the delegation as symbolic cases for the state of human rights in Turkey.

The head of the delegation, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, stated that although Turkish authorities expressed their desire to intensify cooperation with the EU, this must be accompanied by concrete steps, including respect for the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights. She also mentioned that the delegation's request to meet with the Minister of Justice was refused.

The visit takes place at a sensitive moment in EU-Turkey relations, marked by ongoing concerns regarding the rule of law and fundamental rights in a candidate country for accession. The conclusions of the delegation will be integrated into the European Parliament's annual report on Turkey, a document that will serve as the basis for future positions of the European legislature on issues related to enlargement and political cooperation.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/parlamentul-european-cere-turciei-sa-opreasca-reculul-democratic-dupa-o-vizita-pe-drepturile-omului