Turkey: Attack on Turkish judges an attempt to sabotage democratic reform

The Greens in the European Parliament have condemned today's attack in Turkey's highest administrative court, which left one judge dead and others injured (1). Green MEPs Daniel Cohn-Bendit, group Co-President, Joost Lagendijk, Co-President of the EU-Turkey inter-parliamentary committee, and Cem Özdemir, member of the committee, said:

"We strongly condemn today's attack, which represents a clear attempt to undermine democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. The recent rise in armed attacks, which has also included assaults on members of the press and writers, is a major cause of concern. The violence is being carried out by extremist elements bent on sabotaging the process of democratic reform in Turkey. The Turkish government must not be deterred by these extremist acts and must press ahead with its reforms.

"We wish to offer our condolences to the family of the deceased judge and wish the injured judges a swift and complete recovery."

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Editors Note:

(1) A gunman, supposedly a lawyer, today opened fire in Turkey's highest administrative court, killing one judge and wounding four others. The attacker apparently chanted 'Allahu Akbar' or 'God is Great' while firing on judges in the court, which recently issued a ruling against teachers wearing headscarves.

Source: www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/125/125238.turkey@en.htm