Opinion: From democracy to dictatorship, could it happen here?
Phil Heimlich
I’ve noticed a disturbing trend around the world: A leader is democratically elected and then gradually transforms his country into a dictatorship.
In Turkey, ruled by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the tweet has been turned into a crime, according to
The
Washington Post, and a troubled democracy is being turned into a dictatorship. Gradually but inexorably, a nation that once aspired to be an exemplar of enlightened moderation is being transformed by Mr. Erdogan into a dreary totalitarian prison.
Erdogan has closed some media outlets, forced others into new ownership and used show trials to jail his perceived enemies in the press, academia and law enforcement. More than 60,000 have been arrested, and 150,000 forced from their jobs. He is reportedly planning an assault on internet broadcasting and free expression online.