Europe's top human rights watchdog hails Turkey's referendum

"The constitutional reform which was approved yesterday by the Turkish citizens is an important step forward towards bringing the country closer to European standards and practices," Thorbjorn Jagland said in a written statement.

"I also welcome the introduction of a direct constitutional complaint by the citizens to the Constitutional Court. This provides a domestic remedy against human rights violations and not only reinforces the protection of the human rights in Turkey, but can also reduce the caseload of the European Court of Human Rights with respect to Turkey," Jagland said.

Turkish voters approved the constitutional amendments in Sunday's referendum by almost 57.88 percent in favor.

The amendments include change in structure of Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors, as well as the Constitutional Court, country's top judiciary body.

The package abolishes the provisional article 15 of the constitution which does not allow trial of the members of the National Security Council formed after the military coup in 1980, the ban on right to general strike; and paves the way for a citizen to become a member of more than one labor union, and civil servants and other public officials the right to collective bargaining.

It also paves the way for trial of parliament speaker, chief of general staff, and senior commanders by the High Tribunal on charges of crimes they commit regarding their positions.


/World Bulletin/