Turkey abolishes death penalty

Turkey's parliament abolished the death penalty and legalized education and broadcasts in Kurdish today, in an attempt to improve the country's chances of joining the European Union.

The death penalty, which will remain effect in times of war or during the threat of war, will be replaced with life imprisonment with no possibility of parole.

Nationalist lawmakers, who make up the largest bloc in parliament, said the reforms amounted to concessions for Kurdish rebels who fought a 15-year war in south-eastern Turkey, where most of the country's 12 million Kurds live.

Legislators rushed to pass the reforms only a few days after approving elections in November — 18 months earlier than scheduled. Many feared that the election would prevent lawmakers from passing the measures demanded by the EU as politicians instead focused on their re-election campaigns.

"Turkey has taken a giant step on the road to the EU," said Deputy Premier Mesut Yilmaz, whose party drafted the reform package. "I just wish the (nationalists) had been in on it."

Turks hope to boost their chances for membership by passing the reforms before an EU summit in December that will decide on expanding the 15-nation bloc. EU-member nations could set a date for Turkey's entry talks at the summit.

A nationwide poll in May showed a majority of Turks favor EU membership, as well as abolition of the death penalty.

Turkey is under pressure from Europe to improve its much-criticized human rights record. The country has been dogged by accusations of torture in police stations and prisons. Turkey does not recognize Kurds as a minority and they have long been denied cultural rights.

The 14-point reform package approved today legalizes long-banned TV and radio broadcasts in the Kurdish language and allows Kurdish and other regional dialects to be taught in special courses.

Nationalists said the language reforms would divide the country and meant giving into the demands of Kurdish guerillas.

"We won't let those terrorists left in the mountains come down to the city and participate in (language) courses," said nationalist lawmaker Bozkurt Yasar Ozturk. "Rather than putting out a fire, we're making it bigger."

Nationalists and legislators from other parties argued across the floor of parliament about who was more patriotic. At one point, the nationalists began banging on their desks at a pro-Islamic legislator who yelled "be more respectful" and demanded an apology.

Nationalists also insisted that the death sentence be carried out against imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan and accused those advocating the reforms of scheming to save Ocalan.

Turkey has not executed anyone since 1984, although courts regularly impose death sentences. Dozens are now on death row.

Other parties said abolishing the death penalty and granting rights to Kurds is crucial if Turkey is to gain membership in the EU.

The package also lifts certain restrictions on rights to associate and form civic organizations, and imposes stricter penalties for human trafficking. It allows non-Muslim minority communities such as Greeks, Armenians and Jews greater rights over religious property such as churches.

The reforms also tighten regulations governing the police, who are frequently accused of human rights abuse.