Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the cases of unfair proceedings requiring reopening of domestic proceedings
(Hulki Güneş, Göçmen and Söylemez) – No. 2
The European Union reiterates its deep concerns about the lack of progress in the implementation of the judgments in the Turkish cases of Hulki Güneş, Göçmen and Söylemez. Of particular concern is the fact that the non-execution of the judgments which were issued several - in the case of Hulki Güneş more than five - years ago, continues to result in deprivation of liberty without due process of law.
By becoming party to the European Convention on Human Rights, Turkey undertook the obligation to abide by the Court’s final judgments in any case to which it is a party, and to take all appropriate measures in this regard. We regret that the Turkish authorities still have not provided the necessary information on the execution measures including the timetable requested at the Committee of Ministers to this end.
The European Union reiterates its position that all efforts to prevent and reduce terrorism must be executed in full conformity with the rule of law, respect for human rights and international legally binding obligations.
In March 2009, Turkey stated, that the necessary amendments to the laws, drafted by the Turkish Government and allowing the domestic proceedings in the applicants´ cases to be reopened, could not be presented to the Turkish Parliament, as it was in recess due to the upcoming local elections in Turkey. More than two months have passed since the local elections were held. The European Union therefore strongly calls on the Government of Turkey to advise when the amendments will be presented to the Turkish Parliament, and what measures the Government of Turkey will take to ensure the speedy passing of these amendments.
The candidate countries CROATIA and FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA, countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates ALBANIA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA and MONTENEGRO, along with the European Free Trade Association countries and members of the European Economic Area ICELAND and NORWAY align themselves with this declaration.
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Last update: 16.8.2011 15:19
