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Turkey's rule of law on slippery slope

The World Justice Project’s 2015 Rule of Law Index reveals striking evidence of rising authoritarianism in Turkey.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and ruling AK Party (R) lawmakers scuffle during a debate on a legislation to boost police powers, at the Turkish Parliament in Ankara late February 19, 2015. The legislation, which would bolster the powers of the authorities to control protests, has been widely condemned by the opposition, who accuse the AKP of trying to create a police state in the NATO member nation. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKEY - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTR4QBIU
Main opposition Republican People's Party and ruling Justice and Development Party lawmakers scuffle during a debate on a legislation to boost police powers at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Feb. 19, 2015. — REUTERS

The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index for 2015 reported on June 3 that Turkey has fallen 21 places. In its 2014 report, Turkey had ranked 59th among 99 countries. In 2015, it was ranked 80th among 102 countries. The study came out just a few days before the June 7 elections, and when only a handful of opposition media outlets published the news in Turkish, it caused no uproar.

But the findings of this comprehensive study are crucial: The aggregate data supports an accelerated rise of authoritarianism. The findings also put Turkey in perspective over time and compares the country with others in its neighborhood and the world. Finally, they help forecast what Turkey can expect in the short run.

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