At the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg today, the report on the functioning of democratic institutions in Turkey was adopted. PACE decided to re-open the monitoring procedure in respect of Turkey so as to intensify its co-operation with the Turkish authorities.

Head of the Estonian delegation to the PACE Marianne Mikko said that the PACE had never before made a decision to transfer a country from the post-monitoring stage back to the monitoring procedure. “It is a historical decision, according to which stronger monitoring on Turkey will be carried out in regard to the functioning of democratic institutions and adhering to the principles of the rule of law,” PACE Monitoring Committee’s co-rapporteur on Turkey and Vice-President of the PACE Mikko said.

The report acknowledges that while Turkey is in a complicated situation caused by the failed coup attempt and terrorist threats, the PACE is still concerned about the implementation of the state of emergency and its disproportionate effect. The massive dismissal of civil servants, judges, prosecutors and academics and the closing down of media and NGOs, as well as limited access to judicial remedies are cited as examples of that. The PACE also expresses concern about the detention of parliamentarians and journalists, and the constitutional amendments.

The Monitoring Committee of the PACE urged Turkey to take measures to improve the situation, lift the state of emergency and release MPs and journalists.

The report on Turkey was presented by co-rapporteurs of the PACE Monitoring Committee Marianne Mikko and Ingebjørg Godskesen.

Photos of the PACE Session:

For further information please contact: Marianne Mikko, +372 5646 3614

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