Kılıçdaroğlu announces six freedom steps in event of electoral victory

ANKARA

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu on Dec. 11 announced the six steps they will take regarding freedoms in the first six months if they come to power.

Stating that human freedoms are simple and easily understood issues, Kılıçdaroğlu said, “We did not want to understand. At this stage of my life, I think I understand now.”

In his video message posted on his social media accounts, Kılıçdaroğlu elaborated on human rights, freedom of thought and expression, freedom of individuality and the right to security, “Turkey will become a country that celebrates its differences and freedoms, not one that fears its differences and freedoms,” he said.

The CHP leader stated that the name of the Human Rights and Equality Institution will be changed to “Human Rights, Equality and Freedom Institution” within the first six months of their rule.

The state will be governed with justice, the CHP leader said and added, “Everyone whose freedom of expression is violated will have the right to apply to the judicial authorities, regardless of the identity and title of the perpetrator.”

Kılıçdaroğlu stated that the academics that signed a peace petition in 2016 and who were suspended from their duties would be returned to their jobs. “Whatever the decisions of the Constitutional Court and the [European Court of Human Rights] ECHR necessitate will be acted upon. If the decision requires release, the release will take place,” he said.

The leader of the main opposition stated that the grievances of citizens who have been subjected to the intervention of the state in their individual rights and freedoms will be eliminated. Kılıçdaroğlu promised that the freedom of being an individual and the right to security would be ensured.

Kılıçdaroğlu said that a “law of questions that cannot be asked” will be enacted, and questions that cannot be directed to individuals by the employer will be clearly defined in the law.

Kılıçdaroğlu also gave an example of these questions and said, “Women will not be asked about their marriage or birth plans.”

He noted that the principles of access to information will be clarified in the context of freedoms. The CHP leader stated that they will guarantee rights and freedoms in the first six months of their rule.

Kılıçdaroğlu said that this practice, which he said will be implemented in a way that will not put them at a disadvantage due to the laws, identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age, will be reacted by “trolls,” but he also emphasized that they are determined.