EU criticises Turkey over human rights and democracy

A delayed annual report on Turkish prospects for EU membership says there have been serious setbacks in the past two years on freedom of expression.

It also says the independence of the judiciary had been undermined and that new laws run against EU standards.

The report's publication comes at a time when the EU needs Turkey's help in trying to control the refugee crisis.

It also follows parliamentary elections in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) regained the majority it lost in June.

Responding to the report, Turkey's ministry for EU affairs called the comments "unfair and excessive", adding that they do not "duly reflect Turkey's reforms in these fields".

"Such comments overlook the balance between freedom and security which is a must for democracies where rules of law prevails," it added.

President Erdogan has stressed his support for a constitution centred on a strong presidency - something he says will be achieved in the next four years.

The report had been pushed back by several weeks because sensitive negotiations on the refugee crisis were taking place with leading Turkish officials, including the president, shortly before the 1 November elections.

 

(BBC)