The fall-out from the coup attempt in Turkey has taken another twist, as the country suspends the European convention on human rights.
The deputy prime minister, Numan Kurtulmus, said: “Turkey will suspend the European convention on human rights insofar as it does not conflict with its international obligations.”
Over two hundred people were killed and thousands were wounded in the violence that followed the coup attempt. Erdoğan himself was almost captured but escaped while he was at staying in the holiday resort of Marmaris.
In the wake of the uprising 50,000 people have been sacked from their jobs. This includes 21,000 teachers, 6,000 military personnel, 9,000 police officers, 3,000 judges and 9,000 interior ministry workers.
Amnesty International Turkey researcher Andrew Gardner said: “We are witnessing a crackdown of exceptional proportions. While it is understandable and legitimate that the government wishes to investigate and punish those responsible, they must abide by the rule of law.”
Turkey have also demanded that US-Based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen is deported back to his home country, after Erodgan accused him of orchestrating the coup. Gulen has denied this and clams Erdogan himself was behind the Coup. The US said they would not repatriate Mr Gulen until there was clear evidence his conspired to topple the democratically elected Government.
Erdoğan said at a press conference on Wednesday night: “The aim of the declaration of the state of emergency is to be able to take fast and effective steps against this threat against democracy, the rule of law and rights and freedoms of our citizens.”
Erdogan has been accused of increasing authoritarianism in recent years, including closing or prosecuting opposition media outlets.
The situation in Turkey will worry many politicians across the EU who had struck a deal to stem the flow of refugees entering Europe, which has reduced recently, but there are fears it might begin again due to the unstable nature of the country at the moment.
