"Free Radio" Vindicated at ECHR

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found Turkey to be wrong in the broadcasting ban of "Özgür" ("Free") Radio, saying that it represented a violation of the freedom of expression.

After the radio station played the "Nurhak" song on 9 July 2000, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) cited Article 4 (g) of Law 3984 on Radio and Television Corporations and Broadcasts and closed the station. It was argued that the song incited hatred and hostility. The broadcasting ban was approved by the State Council in 2002, after which the Özgür Radio- Ses Radio Television Broadcasting, Film-Making and Advertising Company appealed to the ECHR.

Radio station awarded compensation 

The ECHR unanimously decreed that Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights had been violated. The company was awarded a total of 10,200 Euros, 5,000 in compensation and 5,200 for legal costs.

The ECHR announced that it was not necessary to further consider the case in the light of Article 14 of the Convention, which deals with discrimination.

Not the first compensation for Özgür Radio 

The ECHR had sentenced Turkey to paying 17,000 Euros in compensation to the radio station before, on 30 March 2006, after the station had been closed first for three months and then a year. The court found the closures to be "disproportionate and unnecessary in a democratic society." (EÖ/AG)