UN Rights Boss Urges Turkey to Uphold Rule of Law, Allow Monitors

The reintroduction of death penalty would be a breach of international human rights law and a step in the wrong way

A Turkish policeman searches a man at the entrance of the courthouse where prosecutors are questioning several generals. (Photo Courtesy: AP)

The top United Nations human rights official urged Turkey on Tuesday to uphold the rule of law in the wake of the failed coup and voiced “serious alarm” at the mass suspension of judges and prosecutors.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein also called for independent observers to visit places of detention in Turkey to check on conditions, and for detainees to have access to lawyers and their families.

In the aftermath of such a traumatic experience, it is particularly crucial to ensure that human rights are not squandered in the name of security and in the rush to punish those perceived to be responsible. 

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein 

Zeid said that the reintroduction of the death penalty would be in breach of Turkey’s obligations under international human rights law and a big step in the wrong direction.

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