On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he expected Parliament to approve the reinstatement of the death penalty after the 16th of April referendum on an extension of his powers.
“The families of martyrs, the families of our heroes must not worry. I believe that if God wants it, Parliament will do what is needed after the 16th of April, as a response to your demands on the death penalty”, Mr Erdogan said during a speech he made in Canakkale in the North-West of Turkey.
As his signature is required to validate a Parliament bill of this type, he added he would approve it “without hesitation”.
The death penalty was abolished in 2004, during Turkey’s application to join the UE. If it is reinstated, it would be the end of that campaign.
“What Hans or Georges will say doesn’t bother us”, Mr Erdogan said on Saturday, two names he generally uses to mean the whole of Europe. “What will my people say? What will the law say? That’s what matters”.
Since the failed coup on the 15th of July, the Turkish President has said several times that he would approve the reinstatement of the death penalty if Parliament voted for it. He even spoke about a referendum on it back in February.
However, this is the first time he has called on Parliament to approve the reinstatement of the death penalty. It would happen after the 16th of April vote on a constitutional review that would increase the President’s powers.
(Source: Belga)
