Turkish repression under EU scrutiny
Strong condemnation of the Turkish regime this week from the European Parliament as MEPs denounced the arrests by the Turkish government as it attempts to censor criticism over its military assault of Afrin in Syria.
MEPs condemned the recent arrests of journalists, activists, doctors and ordinary citizens for expressing their opposition to Turkey's military intervention in the Kurdish-controlled enclave.
Their resolution called for an end to the state of emergency which was declared after the coup attempt of 16 July 2016, which is currently being used to further stifle legitimate and peaceful opposition.
It also warned that funds earmarked for pre-EU membership aid for Turkey should be conditional on improving its record on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Turkey's leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is likely to be give a rough ride on humanitarian issues at an EU-Turkey leaders' meeting at the end of March in Varna, Bulgaria, scheduled to cover issues such as the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
Whether this will affect the EU's commitment to its deal with Turkey on migration, intended to limit the mass influx of irregular migrants entering the EU through Turkey, remains to be seen.
