Turkey Calls for Israel’s UN Suspension as Benin Issues Arrest Warrant Over Failed Coup

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus urged the United Nations to suspend Israel over its proposed death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, citing apartheid-era South Africa as a precedent for decisive action on human rights violations. Separately, Benin issued an international arrest warrant for activist Kemi Seba over his alleged support for a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon, which was quickly suppressed, leading to multiple arrests.

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus has called for Israel to be suspended from the United Nations, sharply criticizing its plan to introduce a death penalty bill targeting Palestinian prisoners. He described the proposed legislation as a serious violation of international human rights norms and warned that it risks further escalating tensions in an already fragile region.
Addressing delegates at the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul, Kurtulmus urged the global community to take a principled and unified stance. He stressed that international institutions must not apply double standards when dealing with issues of justice and human rights. According to him, the credibility of the United Nations and similar bodies depends on their willingness to act consistently, regardless of the country involved.
Drawing a historical parallel, Kurtulmus referenced the case of apartheid-era South Africa, which was suspended from the United Nations due to its system of racial segregation and oppression. He argued that this precedent demonstrates that the international system is capable of taking firm action when fundamental rights are at stake. He called on member states to reflect on that example and consider similar measures in response to policies that undermine human dignity and international law.
Kurtulmus further emphasized that the introduction of capital punishment in politically sensitive contexts could deepen divisions, fuel resentment, and complicate ongoing efforts toward peace and stability. He urged lawmakers and governments worldwide to speak out against such measures and to prioritize dialogue, justice, and the protection of basic human rights.
In a separate development, authorities in Benin have issued an international arrest warrant for activist Kemi Seba following his alleged involvement in supporting a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. The warrant, issued on December 12, accuses Seba of justifying crimes against state security and inciting rebellion.
The coup attempt, which took place on December 7, saw a group of mutinous soldiers appear on national television claiming they had overthrown the government. However, the situation was brought under control within hours as loyalist forces, backed by support from Nigeria and France, quickly suppressed the uprising.
Kemi Seba, a controversial political figure known for his outspoken criticism of Western influence in Africa, had publicly endorsed the attempted takeover. In a video shared online, he described the events as “the day of liberation” for Benin, a statement that authorities later cited as evidence of his support for the rebellion.
Seba has long accused President Talon of maintaining overly close ties with France, Benin’s former colonial ruler, and has positioned himself as a leading voice against what he describes as neo-colonial influence in the region. His activism has made him a polarizing figure both within Benin and internationally.
Following the failed coup, approximately 30 individuals—most of them soldiers—were arrested, according to legal sources, while several others involved in the plot remain at large. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown by authorities aimed at restoring order and deterring further attempts to destabilize the government.
Born in France to Beninese parents, Seba has had a history of legal troubles in Europe, including multiple convictions in France. In 2024, he was stripped of his French nationality, further complicating his legal and political status. His case is likely to draw international attention, particularly in the context of debates over political dissent, state security, and the limits of activism.