Ankara: Turkish lawmakers called on Egypt’s interim authorities to scarp plans to execute 529 supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, who were sentenced to death last month.
Turkey’s parliament has released a joint appeal signed by the ruling Justice and Development Party, the main opposition Republican People’s Party, the Nationalist Movement Party and the Peace and Democracy Party Wednesday, Xinhua reported Thursday.
The declaration stressed that the death penalties would further trigger tension and prompt feelings of revenge in the country.
“It is obvious that death penalty sentences delivered for political reasons will hurt the consciences of all humanity, not only that of the Egyptian people,” the Turkish parliament said.
A criminal court in Upper Egypt sentenced some 529 people to death over charges of assaulting police stations last year and killing one officer.
Diplomatic relations between Egypt and Turkey have been strained since last July when Turkey criticised Egypt’s use of force against supporters of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Egypt in reply condemned the Turkish government for “interfering” in its domestic affairs.