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.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prays after laying a wrest of lowers in front of the July 15 Monument, in Ankara, on July 15, 2020, during the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day's events held to mark the fourth anniversary of the failed coup. - Turkey commemorates, the fourth anniversary of a coup attempt which was followed by a series of purges in the public sector. - ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images
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Diego Cupolo
@diegocupolo

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.

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