Turkey Suspends European Convention on Human Rights

Deputy PM Says Country Is Following France's Example

by Jason Ditz

Turkey has informed the world that they intend a temporary suspension of their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with Deputy Prime Minister Numaan Kurtulmus saying the nation is following France’s example, as they did the same thing in November.

The suspension is related to the parliament’s vote in favor of imposing a three month state of emergency. Under the Turkish constitution, the state of emergency can only violate human rights law to the extent it doesn’t also violate international treaties.

The ECHR allows for temporary suspensions “in time of war or other public emergencies,” though Kurtulmus says this will only be related to post-coup measures, and that “normal daily life won’t be affected” nationwide.

At least no more than the nationwide purge already has. Since Friday night’s coup failure, Turkey has arrested 9,000 people and sacked some 50,000, including entire industries. All “academics” are barred from leaving the country now as part of the crackdown.

The ECHR bans a broad number of violations, including torture, slavery, and summary executions. It also bars governments from broadly restricting freedom of speech and association.

http://news.antiwar.com/2016/07/21/turkey-suspends-european-convention-on-human-rights/