Erdogan unveils human rights reforms, raising skepticism among advocates
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday announced an 11-point human rights action plan, pledging to fortify freedoms and legal protections after years of democratic backsliding under his government.
ISTANBUL — Following years of democratic backsliding and amid a rolling crackdown on dissident groups sparked by a 2016 coup attempt, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday unveiled a human rights action plan pledging to bolster the freedoms and legal protections of Turkish citizens.
Speaking in Ankara, Erdogan outlined an 11-point plan to be implemented over a two-year period with aims to improve the nation’s judicial system and penal code and allow for more freedom of expression in the country.
“The main determinants in drawing up Turkey's human rights action plan were the needs and demands of the people,” Erdogan said.
“The ultimate goal of Turkey's action plan is a new civilian constitution,” the Turkish leader later added, referencing talks in Ankara regarding the possible drafting of a new constitution.
