The road of Turkey ” “and that of Europe ” “

Repression against free voices is ongoing… And while he keeps his Country under the yoke of constant threats and acts of repression, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hands over yet another weapon to those – many and increasing – who no longer want Turkey to be part of Europe. The events of the past few days are known, and they circulated worldwide. In fact, the police has arrested several persons in the framework of an operation against political leaders and journalists related to Fethullah Gulen, opponent of premier Erdogan. The blitz in 13 cities led to the conviction of some thirty people, along with 32 arrest warrants. Those arrested included: Ekrem Dumanli, editor of the newspaper “Zaman”, one of the most important in the country; Hidayet Karaca,director of the television network “Samanyolu Media Group”. These are all important media personalities in Turkey. In particular, the detention of Dumanli may well prove a sensational boomerang. Before his arrest, in fact, outside the headquarters of the newspaper, in Istanbul, had gathered about 500 people with placards bearing the inscription: “Hands off the freedom of the press”. These are the facts, firmly condemned by the European Union and by the United States. What has happened “is against European values and moral standards that Turkey intends to be a part of”, state a release issued by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the EU Federica Mogherini and by the Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policies Johannes Hahn. The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said he was “shocked” by recent events and the assembly, gathered in Strasbourg this week (December 15 to 18) tabled an urgent debate and will vote on a resolution in January. “Freedom of the press, fair trials and an independent judiciary – underlined Jen Psaki, spokesman for the US State Department – are key elements in every democracy. As allies and friends of Turkey, we urge the Turkish authorities to ensure that their actions do not infringe these essential values nor the democratic foundations of the country”. In the meantime scepticism regarding EU negotiations with Ankara increase within Community seats, also since similar episodes have been taking place for months, acts of repression increase, while there is a want of respect of fundamental rights (from the rights of minority groups to women’s rights, extending to full freedom of worship). Moreover, relations with Cyprus are at a standstill (half of the island is under Turkey’s military occupation); those with Greece are at alert level. Turkey appears to have plunged into another era, with Erdogan holding the reins of the power that tends towards isolation, appearing to reward those who are faithful, to mistrust other institutions in the country along with all the free voices and even the most harmless popular demonstrations. The great Country bordering on the East and on the West must promptly, decisively, change course – is being said in Strasbourg. In order to not follow that perilous trend that is gaining grounds throughout the Middle Eastern area, one might add. Suffice it consider what is happening in Egypt with the Al Sisi government arresting journalists, sentencing to death opponents, spying progressive circles. Or in Iraq with the offensive of Isis. Not to mention Syria and other countries where the “Arab Spring” seems already part of a bygone past … Could Erdogan be exploiting all these situations to consolidate his power, mortifying democracy and settling accounts with opponents? Moreover, Erdogan’s reaction to the appeals of the international community has been harsh and of utmost concern: “The European Union cannot interfere” with measures taken “within a legal framework, against those realities that pose a threat to national security”, he said. And then he added: “I wonder whether those who keep Turkey on the doors of the EU for fifty years are aware of what the measures that have been taken truly represent”. The risk of an authoritarian drift: this is the international impression, within the respect of the sovereignty of every State. But if the intention is to be part of “the common home” there can be no allowances on rights and freedoms, enshrined in EU Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Precisely to prevent this drift, it’s important, now more than ever, to reiterate the role of the European Union, firmly remembering that the road towards the future doesn’t pass by repression, but by the guarantee of freedom. Including that of the press.