Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments in Turkey

The EU has repeatedly expressed its concern regarding developments which can weaken the rule of law, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and parliamentary democracy in Turkey.

Thus, the measures taken on the 22 February 2017 against three Members of Parliament of the HDP, including both of its Co-Chairs, further add to the concerns expressed both following the Turkish Grand National Assembly's adoption last May of a law allowing the immunity of a large number of deputies to be lifted as well as in the wake of ensuing detentions and arrests of several HDP Members of Parliament, including its two Co-Chairs.

The European Union, together with the Council of Europe, insured that they would continue to follow and assess the situation very closely in the framework of its comprehensive engagement with Turkey.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Turkish constitutional referendum, 2017 http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkish-constitutional-referendum-2017/

ESO: Background information: PM statement following talks with President Erdogan: 28 January 2017 http://www.europeansources.info/record/pm-statement-following-talks-with-president-erdogan-28-january-2017/

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