EU “slap” decision in Turkey for prisoner Osman Kavala, with the imposition of sanctions coming one step closer.
The Council of Europe voted on Thursday night to launch sanctions against Ankara over the case of a Turkish businessman and philanthropist. There is also the issue of its expulsion by the Council.
A majority of at least two-thirds was required to start the process in the Council of Europe. In Thursday’s vote, 32 of the 47 council members voted in favor of opening the process.
The start of “infringement proceedings against Turkey is a logical consequence of its refusal to release Osman Kavala, in accordance with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights”, stressed in a joint statement the EP permanent rapporteur for Turkey, Nacho Sanchez A. and the Chairman of the Parliament Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, Sergei Lagodinski.
The 63-year-old Turkish activist was arrested in 2017 and has been in custody for three years without conviction. He is being prosecuted by the Erdogan government on charges of espionage and involvement in the organization of the failed coup of 2016. It is recalled that on Friday 26/12 a Turkish court decided to extend the activist’s imprisonment.
“We are really sorry that this process is necessary. The decision could have been prevented if Turkey – a founding member of the Council of Europe – had fulfilled its responsibilities and complied with its international commitments. “As sad as these developments are, it is the sole responsibility of the Turkish authorities,” the two members of the European Parliament said.
They also point out that “this case is the epitome of the critical situation of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Turkey. It is neither in the interest of the EU nor in the interest of Turkey for the infringement procedure to result in sanctions against Turkey. “This would also have a negative impact on EU-Turkey relations.”
“It is now up to the Turkish courts and authorities to stand up to the circumstances and show political will, respecting (the country’s) international commitments, democracy and the rule of law. This is the only way to allow EU-Turkey cooperation to deepen, including the renewal of the customs union. “Human rights and the rule of law are preconditions for such cooperation,” the statement concluded.
In mid-September, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe demanded that Turkey release Kavalas by the end of November, threatening otherwise to launch sanctions against Ankara.
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