UN Human Rights Commissioner Criticizes Repression in Turkey

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called for the "rule of law" in Turkey following the recent failed coup and issued a "serious warning" regarding the widespread repression and purging of judges in Turkey. According to Reuters, Mr. Hussein warned on Tuesday, July 20, about the potential return of the death penalty to Turkey's judicial system, stating that such a move would be "a significant step in the wrong direction." While praising the Turkish people's "defense of their country," the UN High Commissioner emphasized the necessity of adhering to "democratic principles" following the coup's suppression. Mr. Hussein has called for "fair trials" and access to lawyers for defendants. The extensive repression of judges, prosecutors, police, senior military officials, and other government opponents following the failed coup on Friday night is increasingly facing international reactions. Foreign ministers from the US, France, and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have also recently called for adherence to democratic principles and human rights in dealing with government opponents. Following the failed coup, Turkish security agencies have arrested or dismissed thousands of judges, police, gendarmes, prosecutors, senior commanders, and soldiers. Extensive images of beatings and torture of those involved in the coup by security forces and plainclothes individuals have been released. Turkish state media reported on Tuesday that the country's courts have sentenced 85 generals and senior admirals of the Turkish army to prison. 257 officials and staff from the Turkish Prime Minister's office have also been dismissed. Among these individuals are General Akin Ozturk, the former commander of the Turkish Air Force, who is referred to as the mastermind of the coup, and General Adam Houdi, commander of the Second Army. Officials from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government claim that Fethullah Gülen, a government opponent residing in the US, is behind the coup and are seeking his extradition to Turkey. Mr. Gülen strongly denies this, stating that the coup was organized by Erdogan himself to suppress his opponents. The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister has also stated that the ideology of the Gülen movement is "similar to the ideology of ISIS." In this context, Turkish media reported that the former air force commander denied involvement in the coup. A cleric in contact with Erdogan stated that some powers are attempting to destabilize Islamic countries. Erdogan has commented on the coup perpetrators, saying that people believe they should be executed.