Government statement on the events in Turkey
Published
The Government considers that developments in Turkey since Friday night are deeply disturbing. Sweden condemns the attempted coup in the strongest terms and stands in solidarity with Turkey and its people. In response to the attempted coup, the Turkish Government is undertaking an extensive purge, removing soldiers, police officers and state employees. Certain figures indicate that more than 60 000 people have been arrested, suspended or forced to leave their positions. The Government takes a serious view of these developments.
It is crucial in the wake of the attempted coup that democratic order is maintained and that the principles of the rule of law and human rights are respected. On 18 July, the EU foreign ministers met to discuss the developments in Turkey and adopted Council conclusions condemning the attempted coup and reiterating full support to the legitimate institutions of the country, while simultaneously emphasising the importance of respect for the principles of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, including the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The EU is following developments in Turkey very closely.
On 20 July, President Erdoğan declared a state of emergency. The EU is carefully monitoring how the state of emergency is being used by the president and the Turkish Government.
It is a very serious matter that there is now talk in Turkey of reinstating the death penalty. The Swedish Government and the EU condemn the use of the death penalty and the EU foreign ministers have expressed in clear terms that the death penalty is not compatible with EU membership. As a member of the Council of Europe, the organisation with the most important normative role in ensuring human rights, democracy and the development of the rule of law in Europe, Turkey has certain obligations under international law. Having ratified Protocols 6 and 13 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Turkey is legally bound not to use the death penalty. Today, the Turkish Government announced its intention to temporarily suspend the Convention. Under the Convention, temporary suspension of individual Articles is possible under certain conditions. However, this has no impact on the obligation not to use the death penalty under Protocols 6 and 13 of the Convention, which clearly establish that no derogation from the provisions of the Protocols can be made.
The Government considers that the Council of Europe and its representatives must follow developments closely and take a position based on Turkey's obligations under the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the other provisions that Turkey is bound by. The Government has conveyed this to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the Estonian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. We have underscored the need for a continued and close dialogue with Turkey on the conditions of the rule of law. When the Government acts jointly with the other EU countries we can have the greatest influence on Turkey.
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