Erdogan says he is ready to approve reintroducing death penalty

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he is ready to approve a parliamentary bill reintroducing the death penalty on Thursday.

“If the parliament takes such a decision, I will approve it,” Erdogan told reporters in Madrid, Spain, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported.

Turkey abolished the capital punishment in 2004, as part of its accession talks to European Union. The issue was brought back to the country’s agenda by Erdogan last week, following wildfires that destroyed coastal forests at southwestern Turkey. Tougher justice were needed against arsonists deliberately causing the blazes, including death penalty, Erdogan said during his visit to the fire scene. On the weekend, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said they will consider re-introducing the capital punishment. President Erdogan’s comments are “instructions to us,” he said, Reuters reported.

“If necessary, the death penalty issue should be raised and become a subject of discussion,” NTV cited Erdogan as saying.

They also discussed the issue with Justice Minister, Erdogan said.

“Of course, this is a matter that requires a constitutional amendment,” Turkish president said.