President Erdogan: Ready to reinstate the death penalty

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, says he is ready to reinstate the death penalty if his people demand it and Parliament approves the necessary legislation. 

The President added that Turkey is a democratic state run by rule of law and  the people's demands cannot be put aside. 

Mr. Erdogan spoke early today to thousands of supporters outside his Istanbul residence who were chanting for Turkey to restore capital punishment following the failed coup. 

Parliament is expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the issue. 

But European Union officials have warned that long-stalled talks on Turkey's bid to join the EU will end if Ankara restores the death penalty. 

Turkey abolished capital punishment in 2004 under reforms aimed at obtaining European Union membership.


SOURCE: ALJAZEERA