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Russian MP: re-establishment of capital punishment in Turkey to end up in breakup with EU

"Erdogan has not ruled out the use of capital punishment. It will mean Turkey’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe and final parting from the European Union," Alexei Pushkov said

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Possible re-establishment of capital punishment in Turkey may entail Turkey’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe and abandonment of its claims to European Union membership in the long run, a Russian lawmaker said on Sunday.

"[Turkish President Tayyip] Erdogan has not ruled out the use of capital punishment. It will mean Turkey’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe and final parting from the European Union. It is fundamental shift," Alexei Pushkov, the chairman of the international committee of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house, wrote on his Twitter account.

According to earlier report, Erdogan said the authorities cannot delay the use of death penalty after a failed coup attempt. "We cannot ignore this demand," he was quoted as saying addressing his supporters in Istanbul. He said the government will discuss the issue of capital punishment with opposition parties.

A state coup was attempted in Turkey overnight to July 16. Biggest clashes were reported from Ankara and Istanbul. Turkey’s leaders said later on Saturday the coup was crushed and the government regained control in the country. According to the latest reports, more than 290 people were killed and more than 1,400 were injured in clashes.