The findings of the Parliamentary Assembly’s co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Türkiye following their visit in June 2025, concluding that the country is at a tipping point due to the erosion of democratic institutions, political persecution of opposition figures, the abuse of pre-trial detention, and the politicisation of the judiciary, are deeply concerning.
The replacement of elected mayors in opposition-held municipalities by government-appointed trustees constitutes a serious violation of democratic standards and the principle of local self-government.
The continued non-implementation of binding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, including in the cases of Osman Kavala, Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ Şenoğlu, in breach of Türkiye’s legal obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 5), is alarming.
The recent developments regarding the Kurdish issue, including the call by Abdullah Öcalan for peace and the decision of the PKK Congress to disband and lay down arms, are welcomed.
A credible peace process must be based on legal guarantees for disarmament, democratic participation, and respect for fundamental rights, including enabling conditions for Mr Öcalan to contribute meaningfully.
This process should be grounded on the European Convention on Human Rights, involving the Turkish Parliament, civil society, and international stakeholders.
The relevant committees of the Assembly should examine concrete avenues for supporting a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish question in Türkiye.