Erdogan Boasts About Illegal Abductions of Opponents: New York Times

The American renowned newspaper, the New York Times, has reported in its editorial that President Erdogan openly boasts about his illegal abductions. The published article refers to actions undertaken by authoritarian leaders against their opponents located abroad.

According to the prominent American publication, while leaders like those of Russia or Saudi Arabia tend to avoid taking 'personal responsibility' for similar incidents, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the contrary, openly takes pride in these actions.

The article highlights that authoritarian leaders are escalating pressure on their political opponents in other countries by utilizing opportunities presented by globalization, digital technologies, and new methods of surveillance to intimidate, arrest, abduct, deport, or even kill dissenters. Since the failed coup attempt in July 2016, President Erdogan has been explicitly building a vast network against his adversaries, employing both legal and illegal means.

According to a report released by the human rights organization Freedom House this year, at least 58 abductions have taken place in 17 different countries.