Canada very concerned with situation in Turkey

Statement

July 20, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement regarding the situation in Turkey:

“Canada supports a democratic Turkey and respects the need for thorough investigations and prosecutions against the perpetrators of the recent attempted coup. This must be done‎ in accordance with Turkish and international law. ‎Given this imperative, Canada is concerned by the state of emergency declared by President Erdogan today.

“We are equally troubled by reports of tens of thousands of dismissals and detentions, including of members of the judiciary, public servants, teachers, academics, members of civil society and the media. We are also profoundly troubled by reported acts of retribution and intimidation. We call on Turkish authorities to respect the human rights of all individuals, including the accused perpetrators, and ensure they are protected from violence at the hands of vigilantes.

“Canada is especially concerned by statements by Turkish officials on the reintroduction of the death penalty. The death penalty undermines human dignity and is incompatible with Turkey’s international obligations. Canada urges Turkey to comply fully with its relevant obligations under international human rights law, including the European Convention on Human Rights as well as our joint commitments as members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

“The rule of law and respect for due process in the conduct of investigations are integral to the democratic principles that, last Friday night, thousands of Turks flooded into the streets to protect. It is important that these same democratic principles and values guide the government’s actions in the coming months.”

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