Response to interpellation 2023/24:831 on the situation in Turkey and Selahattin Demirtaş
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
1 M considers it serious that Turkey has not enforced the European Court of Human Rights' judgments and that Sweden has consistently stood behind calls for the release of Selahattin Demirtas 1. 1 M argues that Sweden continues to work for a more democratic development in Turkey where human rights are respected 1. 2 M argues that Sweden works in international forums so that Turkey will adopt anti-discrimination legislation 2 and that the government acts locally to strengthen the rule of law principles 2. 3 M argues that the Swedish embassy and consulate general are engaged in the work for human rights and democracy 3 and that Sweden would support a resumed dialogue between the Turkish state and the Kurdish minority 3. 4 M argues that the government views the shortcomings in Turkey seriously and calls on the country to immediately release Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala 4. 4 M asserts that Sweden will continue to be a driving force in promoting human rights internationally 4.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)
Madam Speaker! He has asked me what measures I intend to take so that Turkey will follow and implement the decision from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the release of Selahattin Demirtas. Furthermore, he has asked whether I and the government consider that Turkey meets the democratic requirements to initiate negotiations for potential membership in the EU.
Four months ago, I responded to an interpellation by another interpellator regarding the strengthening of democracy and human rights in Turkey (interpellation 2023/24:680). That interpellation was partly about Selahattin Demirtas, and the question was similar to today's.
In the EU Commission's annual evaluation of the progress made on the way towards EU membership for Turkey, much attention is paid to the issues that the interpellor Ola Möller mentions in his interpellation. In the evaluation made for each of the EU's candidate and partner countries, the cases highlighted in the European Court of Human Rights are described in detail, including the long processes ongoing to get Turkey to release Selahattin Demirtas. When the issue has come up in the Council of Europe's intergovernmental forum, the Committee of Ministers, Sweden as a member has consistently stood behind the calls to Turkey to respect the European Court of Human Rights' judgments and release both Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala. It is serious that Turkey has not enforced these judgments.
The question will be revisited in the autumn, when Turkey is expected to publish the grounds for the judgment and when the European Court of Human Rights will review the ruling. Sweden considers the Turkish actions to be completely unacceptable and continues to push for an immediate release. The fact that Turkey has not followed the European Court of Human Rights' decisions in the cases of Kavala and Demirtas is also addressed in the forward-looking report on the Turkey relationship that the EU Commission and the EU External Action Service prepared on behalf of the European Council in November 2023.
Furthermore, the EU Commission in the latest evaluation of Turkey from 2023 repeated, among other things, its serious concern over the continued regression in the areas of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights in Turkey. This situation is also described in detail by various non-governmental organizations, for example Amnesty and Human Rights Watch.
Sweden shares the assessment of both the European Commission and the EU's diplomatic service. We attach great importance to the situation regarding human rights in our view of all EU candidate countries, including Turkey.
I want to emphasize that Sweden will continue to work for a more democratic development in Turkey where human rights are fully respected. This applies particularly to the situation for politicians, journalists, persons belonging to minorities, human rights defenders and hbtqi persons.
Ola Möller (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the answer.
The situation in Turkey is, just as the Foreign Minister tends to say, alarming when it comes to democratic development. Now that the world's eyes are turned towards Gaza, it is clear that Turkey is moving its positions forward. Everything from drones and missiles to direct occupation of other countries occurs – one takes the right to enter other countries' territories.
At the same time, the persecution of oppositionists in general and Kurds in particular continues unabated - 6,000 political prisoners are now in Turkish prisons. A total of 200,000 prisoners are held in the country's prisons, where torture and gross violations of human rights are commonplace.
Many cases have received international attention. One such case is Selahattin Demirtas. The European Court of Human Rights has, just as the Foreign Minister said, been very clear. Even the EU, the European Council and other bodies have been clear about what applies. Still, Demirtas was sentenced just recently to an additional 42 years in prison. Other cases with political prisoners where the Council of Europe has been very clear concern Osman Kavala and Figen Yüksekdag. These are just three well-known victims of the oppression and persecution that is occurring, primarily of Kurds but also of journalists, oppositionists and other minorities in Turkey.
I want to emphasize that Turkey today is one of our closest allies. Since we became a member of Nato, we have another arena in which to raise our voices. Even if it could be noted in the previous debate about Gaza that international law has fallen apart – it no longer holds, and above all, actions are not being taken in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, for example the genocide convention – it is clear that Sweden as a country must continue to argue for international law, the principles of the rule of law, and the like.
One of my reasons for accepting the NATO membership was that Sweden would be a voice for disarmament, peace, human rights and democracy within the organization. Norway has been that and has for a long time shown that one can combine safety and security for its people with an unswerving work for peace and disarmament. Unfortunately, I do not hear the government on that arena. I also do not hear any particularly strong voice towards Turkey.
My question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs is how he intends to act outside of the EU's institutions to get the political prisoners in Turkey released. Are all other arenas closed? Is there a possibility to step forward in Nato and say that if we are to be an ally, we will also be clear that we have high demands on our allies? What is happening now is completely unacceptable.
Kadir Kasirga (S)
Madam Speaker! It is of the utmost importance that we in the Swedish Riksdag pay attention to the situation in Turkey, especially now when our neighboring region and the Middle East are going through difficult times. We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that Turkey faces great challenges, particularly when it comes to respect for human rights.
One of the most prominent cases concerns the deprivation of liberty of Selahattin Demirtas. This is a struggle for democracy and human rights, and we must act now. Since 2016, Selahattin Demirtas, a leading Kurdish politician, has been imprisoned. In the spring, he was sentenced to 42 years in prison without a fair trial, despite the European Court of Human Rights having required in two separate decisions that Demirtas be released immediately. The Turkish prison sentence against Demirtas is a flagrant violation of the European Court of Human Rights' decision and should lead to tangible consequences for Turkey, which is a candidate country to the EU.
What measures does the government and the Foreign Minister intend to take to persuade Turkey to enforce the European Court of Human Rights' decision to release Demirtas? Does the government still support Turkey's so-called efforts to become a member of the EU, despite these violations of the European Court of Human Rights' decision?
Madam Speaker! The verdict against Demirtas sends a signal to the rest of the world that Turkey's lack of respect for the principles of the rule of law crushes the dreams of a democratic development in Turkey. Keeping Demirtas and other political prisoners imprisoned goes against the values that the EU stands for, and it is up to us to put pressure on Turkey to rectify this.
This is not just a question of human rights. A release of Demirtas would, in the long run, also lie in Turkey's own interest. A Turkey that respects human rights and democratic principles will stand stronger and more secure. It will benefit both Turkey and the entire region, and it will contribute to a more stable region and world.
Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, there is currently a situation in Turkey where democracy is being dismantled at a rapid pace. Erdogan's promises of normalization after the election loss last winter have proven to be empty. Instead, a policy of retaliation is being pursued that is reminiscent of the military junta in the early 1980s. People are imprisoned for dancing to Kurdish songs, and the police, with the help of the Grey Wolves, remove everything that is in the Kurdish language.
The violence from the street has now entered the Turkish parliament. The other day, we saw how opposition politicians were assaulted in the Turkish parliament by members of the government party.
At the same time as the persecution of and oppression against Kurds and other oppositionists in Turkey intensifies, the Turkish army daily bombs the Rojava administration in Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan.
Madam Speaker! The previous Social Democratic government has condemned the Turkish invasion of Rojava - for example Afrin - and urged Turkey to resolve the conflict through dialogue. But since the Moderates took over the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, we have unfortunately not heard anything concrete from the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding Turkey or the Kurdish issue. It is only when we in the opposition raise the issue here to the chamber that we hear what the government thinks and intends. I hope that the Minister for Foreign Affairs can comment on my questions and reflections in this debate.
Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)
Madam Speaker! When it comes to the last point, I can say that perhaps not everything unfolds here in the chamber.
Sweden works in several international forums to urge Turkey to increase its respect for human rights. I also stated in a similar interpellation answer here in the chamber during the spring that Sweden acts in the UN Human Rights Council so that Turkey will adopt anti-discrimination legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination. Most recently in March this year, the EU also urged Turkey to respect the country's obligations under international law, including human rights, in a statement that Sweden also stood behind in the UN Human Rights Council.
The fact that everything is not found in the chamber's minutes - even though that specific interpellation answer actually does - does not mean that there is no overall picture in this context. Furthermore, the government also conveys messages directly to representatives in Turkey and acts locally in Ankara and Istanbul. Sida, the Swedish Institute, and our foreign agencies work on-site in Turkey to strengthen respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law principles, as well as to improve the conditions for a more equal society.
Ola Möller (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs again for the contribution. I am aware that the Minister for Foreign Affairs works very much within the multilateral organizations, but I heard, as I said, nothing about Nato and that one as an ally can actually raise how one expects one's allies to behave.
It is also the case, however, that it sounds a bit false that the government is acting for democracy in Turkey, as is stated in the interpellation response. We have, in fact, seen the regulatory letter to Sida, which has been worked on this summer. There, the programs for that specific issue are concluded; no agreements with Turkey regarding aid are to be extended. It is a view on development aid that recurs in the region: As long as a dictatorship or non-democracy is wealthy enough, Sweden obviously does not intend to send money to support the democracy fighters' struggle.
It is not exactly that I think we should work for democracy, as Turkey cares very little about what is said in various councils and, obviously, also in courts. What one must do instead is to carry out actual action on the ground, and therefore it is deeply regrettable that the government signals that it does not intend to extend the program periods for these democracy activists – above all many Kurdish democracy activists – in Turkey.
Another thing that is somewhat problematic is the discussions that Foreign Minister Billström had in Ankara during the Natoprocess, where it was said that flag-waving would be prohibited. It was not formulated in exactly those words, but in the discussion with Ankara, it became clear that the minister was prepared to go home and change Swedish legislation. What eventually became of that is something one can wonder about, because in connection with this summer's investigations into stopping Quran burnings, a proposal has now come from the government—a proposal is being prepared in any case—that demonstrations and demonstration permits should be able to be security-cleared.
I can only imagine how happy Erdogan would be if Sweden introduced legislation that meant we should start security-vetting various demonstration permits. Then we would probably see Swedish authorities being overwhelmed with various fabricated crimes and evidence of how terrible Kurdish activists in Sweden are, which would thereby deprive them of an arena here. It is a dangerous development and not something that in any way supports the struggle for democracy in Turkey.
Another thing is the discussion regarding the Foreign Minister's distancing from the Kurdish freedom fighters who fought Daish, i.e., IS. Almost immediately after the Foreign Minister took office, he began to condemn and distance himself from these freedom fighters, i.e., the administration that exists in Rojava - which Turkey, for the record, is bombing heavily. It is clear that the signal there is not that one supports those who fight against Islamism and are for democracy. On the contrary, the signal is quite clear: One has the same attitude towards the Kurds as the regime in Ankara does.
My question therefore is why the democracy fighters in Turkey and the Kurds in Turkey should receive less support from the government. Reducing the support is, in fact, what the government is doing, regardless of what is said – and the government and the minister say in their response that they actively want to support the struggle for democracy and the rule of law principles in Turkey.
Kadir Kasirga (S)
Madam Speaker! As if reprisals and oppression against Kurds and other minorities were not enough, Erdogan daily threatens his neighboring countries with war. He does this to whip up nationalist feelings in the country. One day Greece is to be occupied, the next day Armenia, and most recently, Erdogan has threatened war and invasion in Israel. But interestingly, Erdogan has never threatened either the mullah regime in Iran or Russia with war. It is interesting and a subject that the Foreign Minister should look into more closely.
Madam Speaker! It is our duty to stand up for the values we hold dear. Sweden must be a strong voice for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Foreign Minister Tobias Billström now has an opportunity to show leadership and make a real difference. Let us work together to ensure that Selahattin Demirtas and other political prisoners in Turkey are released immediately!
I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the debate. I also thank my fellow Member of Parliament Ola Möller for the interpellation.
Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)
Madam Speaker! I believe it is important to emphasize that the Swedish embassy in Ankara and the consulate general in Istanbul are indeed continuously engaged in the work for human rights and democracy in Turkey and that they cooperate with civil society. Sweden pursues an active HR policy towards Turkey both in bilateral contacts and in international forums, and it will continue to be a cornerstone in our approach regarding the country - not least within the framework of Turkey's EU process.
Part of Ola Möller's question in the interpellation concerned precisely the EU's relationship with Turkey. Turkey remains a candidate country, and just like other candidate countries, Turkey is reviewed by the EU Commission every year. Last year's review is particularly critical regarding human rights and the democratic system of government.
As I have already mentioned and also pointed out in previous answers to interpellations here in the chamber, Sweden will continue to highlight human rights, including ethnic rights - such as those of the Kurds - and the situation of religious minorities. Sweden would support a resumed dialogue between the Turkish state and the Kurdish minority in the country.
At the European Council meeting in April this year, Turkey was also discussed, and the focus was on the development in the country and the conditions for how the EU's relations with Turkey should look in the future. In the subsequent conclusions, it was established that the EU is ready for deepened ties with Turkey. The progress is, however, dependent on Turkey's constructive engagement. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was active in the council discussion, and Sweden stood behind the council conclusions. For us in the government, a positive development regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey is of particular importance.
Ola Möller (S)
Madam Speaker! I can only state that it is in the view on this matter of words and deeds that we differ. I know that the government says in words that it stands behind both the one and the other of a positive character.
There is one positive thing: A press release was issued today stating that 10 million is being sent to support free media in Venezuela. It is a very good decision – continue with that! It is a clear action against a regime that is loathsome, which we absolutely do not want to be associated with and which is acting completely out of its mind. I apologize if that was a swear word, Madam Speaker. But when it comes to Turkey, we are apparently not to send any extra money, but on the contrary, reduce the program period and not sign new agreements.
It is very good and positive that the embassy is engaged. I know that. But when the signal in the regulatory letter to Sida becomes that we should not sign new agreements in Turkey, so that, among other things, the Swedish Support Committee for Human Rights in Turkey risks having poorer opportunities to carry out its activities on site with the people who fight for democracy and freedom who are there, it becomes a matter of speaking with a somewhat divided tongue.
I find it difficult to understand this from any perspective other than that we are now suddenly allied with Turkey. This is appalling.
I do not believe that the Kurds in Sweden experience security in the government's position on their rights as the Foreign Minister expresses, or rather, I know that they do not. There is a great deal of concern.
The points that I have raised earlier regarding how we act and the lack of concrete action so that we actually do something are worrying. Words change nothing, which we have seen regarding, among other things, Gaza. The same applies to Turkey.
Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)
Madam Speaker! I thank the interpellor for the interpellation. I share Ola Möller's concern. The Government views the developments in Turkey regarding respect for human rights with seriousness, and it is well known that it is an area that suffers from deficiencies.
For Sweden, it is fundamental that political prisoners should not occur. Countries such as Sweden and Turkey, which are members of the human rights-based organization the Council of Europe, must follow the decisions that the European Court of Human Rights makes. That Turkey has not done so in the cases in question that form the basis for the interpellation is serious, and it is something that Sweden, together with other members of the Council of Europe, repeatedly points out at meetings in the Council of Europe.
The Swedish government is clear on this point. We urge Turkey to immediately release both Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala. This is necessary to live up to the Council of Europe's values and common rules. That Turkey has not fulfilled the Council of Europe's requirements is also something that has repeatedly been criticized by the EU.
What I can say here clearly and distinctly is that Sweden will continue to be a driving force in promoting human rights internationally. Sweden has a very clear position in support of everyone's enjoyment of human rights.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.