Turkey pulls out of international accord designed to protect women

Recep Tayyip Erdoan's government gives no reason for withdrawal from the European pact despite sharp rise in femicides in Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdoan has pulled Turkey out of an international accord designed to protect women, the country's official gazette said on Saturday, despite calls from campaigners who see the pact as key to combating rising domestic violence.

The Council of Europe accord, forged in Istanbul, pledged to prevent, prosecute and eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey, which signed the accord in 2011, saw a rise in femicides last year.