Socialist International expresses worries over rise in ‘authoritarianism’ in Turkey

ANKARA

Daily News Photo, Selahattin Sönmez

A committee from the Socialist International has expressed its worries over the rise of authoritarianism in Turkey, as well as its concerns about the "disproportionate and excessive use of force" by police against protesters.

“The committee expresses deep concern over disproportionate and excessive use of power by the police against citizens exercising their right to free assembly in Turkey. We would like to remind the Turkish government that freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right to have peaceful protests are fundamentals of a democratic regime,” read a declaration issued by the Socialist International Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea meeting in Tbilisi on June 4.

The meeting was chaired by Luis Ayala, secretary general of the Socialist International, and was attended lawmakers from regional countries, including Aykan Erdemir, a Bursa deputy from the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

“We observe with great worry the rise of authoritarian inclinations in Turkey, and the ensuing apathy toward citizens’ legitimate grievances. We call upon the government to show restraint and respect human rights and freedoms,” it read.

The committee offered condolences for those who lost their lives during the protests and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. “The SI will continue to be in solidarity with the Turkish people and the Republican People’s Party, CHP, in their struggle for rights and freedoms, democracy, and social justice,” it said.