Gov’t opts for German template to combat street violence

Gov't decides to go with German model in fight against street violence which means security forces will be granted sweeping powers to crush protests including using arms to counter the protestors during unauthorized protests without permission from a superior officer.

The need to adopt new laws over tightening country's security surfaced after the illegal, pro-Kobani protests erupted predominantly in Turkey's southeastern provinces, sparked by Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) militants' penetration of the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani, also known as Ayn al-Arab, on Oct. 6.

The government which aimed to lift the country to western levels regarding its security laws has been discussing which path to follow and it finally settled on the usage of German model deeming it the most appropriate form for the country.

According to the new reform, the officers will be permitted to use arms against offenders in protests.

The protestors involved in aggression will also be detained without requirement of a court order, a rule adopted from German template as well.

The government also hopes to double the sentences handed down for the offences in question to raise the security standards to Western levels with the upcoming changes.

The discussions of the legislation in question which aims to give expanding powers to police officers to quash the protests are still under way in Turkish parliament.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the regulation's discussions Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş said: "There has been a consensus on the need of a security reform in the country, after numerous dialogues and discussions were carried out over the issue. Solid measures were deemed necessary to enhance the security level of the country and the reform intends to invigorate Turkey's democracy contrary to concerns that the changes might adversely affect it."

Kurtulmuş has said Turkey will not deviate from its democratic line while imposing tougher security measures, assuring the public over a controversial regulation which seeks to empower security forces.

Touching on the deadly protests that broke out by PKK sympathizers, Kurtulmuş underlined that Turkey has become a location close to the fire circle and precautions to retain the country's security should urgently be taken. He put a spotlight on the sensitivity of the process Turkey is going through—as it is under a massive threat posed by the ISIS attacks that continue apace in a region close to the country's territory-- said more attention must be paid to security issues since the attempts to cripple Turkey's security might resume.

"They are only preventive precautions. The changes will not harm democracy nor will it hamper the reconciliation process." Kurtulmuş said, adding that the balance must be struck between democracy and security in the newly presented regulation.

The government's intention to adopt tighter security rules to prevent street violence sparked debates among the opposition parties who expressed concerns over a possibility that the excessive powers bestowed to the security forces could be exploited. The experts consider that void of balancing steps, the legislation which grants more powers to security forces, can engender devastating results for the country.

Kurtulmuş in response to such concerns said the government will refrain from violating the rights of the citizens having nothing to do with protests, and the precautionary acts will only be against those involved in violent acts. He also underlined that the balance between democracy and security will be preserved and every detail has been put into account in preparing the measures.

"We will never give up the will to further democracy and the reconciliation process" Kurtulmuş said Kurtulmuş, concluding his speech.