PES General Secretary Philip Cordery stated: “I am very concerned about the continued and persistent actions taken by the Turkish authorities against many active members of the Kurdish community. Fundamental freedoms are being challenged by the policies of the current AKP government. Fair trials and the respect of human rights for all Turkish citizens must be ensured.”
He continued: “The restrictive legal framework in Turkey, aimed at silencing dissent, needs important reforms. Democratic institutions such as the judiciary require new measures to guarantee full independence from government. The PES continues to call for a new approach to the Kurdish issue with a political and inclusive process bringing positive change to Turkey by democratic and peaceful means. This is the only sustainable solution for all parties.”
