
The European Parliament declares that Turkey has no chance of becoming an EU member state with the current state of the justice system and respect for human rights.
"Turkey's judiciary has confirmed the worst predictions when it today sentenced Osman Kavala to life imprisonment for allegedly attempting to bring down the government. This decision of regret by istanbul's 13th Heavy Court is in clear disregard of the decisions of the European Court for Human Rights and will surely bring consequences to the infringement procedures that are ongoing at the Council of Europe", euromps said in a statement.
The EP expresses full solidarity with Osman Kavala and other defendants in the judicial process known as "Gezi", who also received heavy prison sentences, as well as with their families.
"Today is a very sad day not only for them, but also for those who defend every day the fundamental rights and rule of law in Turkey and for all those who wish to see the country approaching the EU" the statement follows.
Turkey has enjoyed candidate country status since 1999, but membership negotiations have stalled for years.