A group of human rights experts for the UN called upon [press release] Turkey’s government to uphold its international human rights obligations, despite declared emergency following failed coup. In particular, the experts ask that Turkey does not invoke Article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) [materials], which allows governments to relax obligations under the Covenant, or at the very least strictly adhere to the restraints provided within Article 4. The experts said “invocation of Article 4 is lawful only if there is a threat to the life of the nation, a condition that arguably is not met in this case,” and stressed that “one cannot avoid, even in times of emergency, obligations to protect the right to life, prohibit torture, adhere to fundamental elements of due process and non-discrimination,” and other obligations. Since the attempted coup on July 15, there has been a purge within education, the media, military and justice sectors, and there have been documented instances of torture and poor detention conditions.

The aftermath of the failed coup attempt last month continues as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed [JURIST report] that those involved in the coup would “pay a heavy price.” Last week an Istanbul court issued [JURIST report] an arrest warrant for Pennsylvania-based preacher, Fetullah Gulen, on charges of orchestrating the attempted coup. Also last week Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland arrived [JURIST report] in Turkey to meet with a variety of Turkish officials to urge for respect for the rule of law. Last month Amnesty International condemned [JURIST report] Turkey’s decision to issue arrest warrants for 42 journalists. Also last month Erdogan ordered [JURIST report] the closure of thousands of private schools, charities, and other institution