The introduction of the death penalty in Turkey would consequently end the European Union (EU) accession negotiations, said German government spokesman Steffen Seibert on Monday in Berlin, a view which was later shared by Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. The coup attempt made the people of Turkey join hands to save democracy and rule of the constitution.
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Partners in Merkel’s grand coalition government have become increasingly tired of Erdogan and have been questioning Turkey’s strength as a partner.
“And we also urge the government of Turkey to uphold the highest standards of respect for the nation’s democratic institutions and the rule of law”. The editorial rightly says that “He (Erdogan) should now honour the bravery of his people by ruling in a more inclusive manner”.
Turkey formally abolished the death penalty in 2004.
In the aftermath of Friday’s failed coup, thousands of Erdogan supporters called for capital punishment to make a return.
With pro-government protestors demanding that the coup leaders be executed, Erdogan said on Sunday that the government would discuss the measure with opposition parties.
“In the first hours after the failed coup, we witnessed revolting scenes of caprice and revenge against soldiers on the streets”, Seibert said.
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Even before the coup attempt, many European Union states were not eager to see such a large, mostly Muslim country as a member, and were concerned that Ankara’s record on basic freedoms had gone into reverse in recent years.
