Attempted coup in Turkey

Commenting on the attempted coup d’état in Turkey, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms stated:

“We are shocked by the events in Turkey. Although the background to the coup remains unknown, a military coup is clearly incompatible with democratic objectives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hope for an immediate end to the escalation and senseless bloodshed.

The growing polarisation of Turkish society, which was even more in evidence last night, poses a huge threat and is destabilising Turkey. We call on all parties and in particular President Erdogan and the majority AKP party to avoid action that could further increase the divisions."

Greens/EFA co-president Philippe Lamberts added:

"The fact that all the Turkish opposition parties have distanced themselves from the violent actions of the military sends a strong signal. The only way for a return to stability in Turkey is for President Erdogan and the AKP to respect the outcome of the latest democratic elections and uphold democratic principles such as the rights of the opposition parties along with freedom of the press and a right to a fair trial. Bringing back the death penalty for the leader of the attempted coup would constitute a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Turkey is a signatory.

It would be disastrous for all Turkish citizens if President Erdogan were to use the events of the last few days to further consolidate his own powers and position. EU leaders and NATO must ensure they use their influence on the Turkish president and government to try to prevent this."