Freedom of Expression Organizations Warn Journalists, Government, EU

International Press Institute (IPI), Index on Censorship, Article 19, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Ethical Journalism Network have held several talks regarding oppression on press and freedom of the press in Turkey.

The committee sharing the outcome of the talks with public held a press conference at Turkish Journalists Association. David Diaz Jogeix from Article 19, Barbara Trionfi, Steven M. Ellis and Marcus Spillman from IPI, Kadri Gürsel from Press Institute Association, Muzaffer Suleymanov from CPJ, Melody Patry from Index on Censhorship, Ceren Sözeri from Ethical Journalism Network, Mustafa Kuleli from Turkish Journalists Union, and Turgay Olcayto from TGC have attended the conference. 

Jogeix: Insult and TMK (Anti-Terror Law) laws are being abused

Jogeix from Article 19 drawing attention to the fact that law of insult has been used as primary censorship mean and this law has been abused said, “In true democratic societies, penal insult is out of question. Law of insult or anti-terror laws cannot be used to oppress critical journalism.”

Suleymanov: Preventing impunity is government’s duty

Suleymanov from CPJ remarking they are worried about notably the attacks against Hürriyet daily and journalist Ahmet Hakan, and assaults and pressures on journalists said, “Impunity appears as a form of censor. Investigating an attack against a journalist or media is the government’s duty. If Turkey wants to be a democratic member of international public, then it is responsible with investigating the attack on Hürriyet and Ahmet Hakan.  

Click - Journalist Ahmet Hakan Attacked

Patry: Turkey must abide ECHR

Patry from Index on Censorship speaking about imprisoned journalists stated that there are more than 20 journalists in jail including Muhammed Rasul from Vice. 

“Rasul is only one of the journalists who was arrested for doing his job. Journalism is not a crime and Turkey as a member of European Council must abide by European Convention of Human Rights.”

Sözeri: Media ownership used as a mean for censor

Sözeri from Ethical Journalism Network emphasizing that media ownership is being used to impose censor said:

“Polarization in society of Turkey reflects on media as well. In this process we observed that the sources have been transferred into media organs close to the government, advertising revenues of opposition media have been blocked, they have been suppressed by tax penalties, and some channels were removed from private platforms. We call on the government to constitute a transparent, and just regulation.”

Kuleli: Journalists must act with solidarity

TGS Secretary General Kuleli drawing attention to journalist solidarity stated that journalists are able to line up against Erdoğan. Kuleli saying “It is again us to save ourselves” has called for trade bodies to be organized.

Ellis: U.S. and EU should pressure to protect human rights

Ellis from IPI reminding of BİA Media Monitoring Report said in the last three months 101 websites, 40 social media accounts and 178 URL were blocked. Ellis calling for Turkey to lift broadcast bans that concern public and to end Internet censor except for legitimate reasons, has called for the U.S. and EU to pressure Turkey with respect to protecting human rights. 

Olcayto: Uniform journalist is desired

TGC President Olcayto stating that government in Turkey desires uniform journalists said “We want the same with how journalists live and make news in modern democracies. Journalists are responsible with doing journalism.” (EA/TK)

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