The PEN International delegation -the most crowded visit group in PEN's history- is in Turkey for meetings with officials, politicians, writers and publishers, including President Gül and EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış.
"Gül follows cases closely"
"There has been significant democratic progress in Turkey the last 10 years, but the latest arrests or trials of key writers, journalists, and publishers have negatively affected the democratization process," PEN President Saul said in a news conference held in Istanbul.
Saul said President Gül assured the delegation that he has been following the cases closely. "There are many good things unfolding in Turkey, but these concerns cast a shadow over the progress we are achieving. They also have international repercussions. These developments deeply sadden me, and as President, I more than anyone else want to see that they are resolved and no longer on the country's agenda" Saul said, reciting Gül's words.
"Anti-terror Act should be reviewed"
PEN President has warned that Turkey's Anti-terror Act defined offenses too broadly and is applied inconsistently often against those who have not supported, plotted, or carried out acts of terrorism or violence.
"Turkish government claims that Anti-terror Act is essential against terrorist acts. PEN International also condemns violence, however we can't accept any law compromising freedom of expression. I think the issue can be resolved if the government takes steps towards reviewing the law for a more specific version. We need freedom of expression to marginalize the violence."
There are currently 8 PEN members in prison or on trial in Turkey, Saul said.
Marian Botsford Fraser, Chair of Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International said that 800 writers, journalist, bloggers and translators are currently subject to threats, imprisonment or death.
PEN International celebrates literature and promotes freedom of expression. Founded in 1921, PEN's global community of writers comprises 144 Centres spanning more than 100 countries. (NV)
