During the EP plenary session (5-8 February 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on Turkey’s military assault on the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin (Syria). MEPs are also set to denounce hundreds of arrests by the Turkish government in an attempt to censor criticism over its military operation. Statements Federica MOGHERINI, Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), Kati PIRI (S&D, NL), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK) and Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL).

Strasbourg

EU - Syria (T)

plenary session

EU - Türkiye (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

PREDA, Cristian Dan (EPP, RO)

MOGHERINI, Federica (IT, EC)

joint debate

PIRI, Kati (S&D, NL)

TANNOCK, Timothy Charles Ayrton (ECR, UK)

SCHAAKE, Marietje (ALDE, NL)

Current human rights situation in Turkey and Situation in Afrin, Syria: extracts from the joint debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, The negative trends of the human rights situation in country have not been reversed and there have been some small steps in certain human rights cases but violations have continued hiting prominent society figures social media users medical staff and the list could continue.

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, We are deeply worried about new front opened in northern Syria. We are worried first of all for humanitarian reasons.  The new clashes have already made civilian casualties and thousands have been displaced. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed to all those in need.

SOUNDBITE (French), Federica MOGHERINI, The agreement reached through the Astana process on the escalation zones needs to be pursued and implemented including in northern Syria.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), We have to put human rights at the centre of our dialogue with Turkey. And particularly at the EU-Turkey summit. In this Parliament we should perhaps redirect turkeys accession funds towards civil Society towards those who are fighting for freedom. I think it's impossible for us to continue talking about accession.

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), <p>While the perpetrators of the heinous coup must be prosecuted and brought to justice, so many people became victims of the massive crack down on all democratic opposition voices. The numbers are mind-boggling, more than 150,000 people fired and over 50,000 imprisoned. But remember that all these people have a face, have a family, and friends who are hoping that normalisation is still possible.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), The situation in Afrin is the starkest of those decisions yet. Only two days ago Turkey announced that nearly 1000 so called terrorists have been neutralized since the assault began on the 20th of January. By neutralised we are to read surrendered, captured or killed by terrorists. We are to read members of the Kurdish ypg (Yek&icirc;ney&ecirc;n Parastina Gel (Kurdish: People's Defense Unit) that have been bravely fighting against Isis across northern Syria with the support of us troops who continue to fight alongside the ypg The Americans have refused the Turkish request to remove their troops paving the way for a potential clash between Turkish and US forces, such behaviour from a NATO allied an EU candidate country is extremely concerning.

SOUNDBITE (English), Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL), The measures taken including the arrest of 8 doctor's last week when they called for peace after Turkish operations in Afrin show that actions are often unrelated to the coup and are certainly disproportionate. Even if the doctors have been released, another chilling message is sent that no one can assume freedom of expression or freedom after expression.