PM Urges to Reconsider Death Penalty

"Hunger strikes are blackmail, it's a show," Erdoğan said on Sunday, addressing public in Trabzon on the 61st day of hunger strikes.

"I heard that some deputies have joined hunger strikes now. They are free to do whatever they want. Our duties are clear. We make the necessary intervention concerning their health," Erdoğan continued.

"Öcalan will remain where he has to"

Mentioning his former speech in Indonesia, Erdoğan reiterated the Turkish government's firm position against the hunger strikes.

"I pointed out how unfair it was that [Breivik] would serve only for 21 years after slaughtering 77 lives in Norway," Erdoğan said, reminding of his speech at a conference where Norway's Foreign Minister was also attending. "After my speech, he [Norway's Foreign Minister] came to me and said 'he will never get out of the prison'. I wasn't convinced though."

Erdoğan also addressed inquiries whether the lifelong imprisonment of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of PKK, could be converted into house arrest: "Some say Öcalan should have house arrest. It will never happen as long as we stay in power, as long as our nation wants it. Öcalan will remain where he has to."

"We should reconsider the death penalty"

Erdoğan introduced the possibility of bringing back the death penalty, saying that it is not in the government's moral power to forgive a killer. "Whether to forgive a killer or not is in the approval of victim's family. We should make arrangements to ensure that. Some say it is the practice in EU."

Citing examples in Russia, China, Japan and Unites States, Erdoğan argued that death penalty is executed throughout the world. "These countries are members of the UN Security Council. Only France and UK are exceptions. We should reconsider the death penalty." (EKN)