Council of State halts execution of circular banning audio, video recording at protests

* Photo: Selin Arutan

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The 10th Chamber of the Council of State has unanimously halted the execution of the police circular banning journalists and citizens from audio and video recording during public incidents and protests.

The circular was issued by Director General of Security Mehmet Aktaş, which sparked harsh criticisms of journalists and journalism organizations as well as opposition politicians. It was also widely used by the police to prevent journalists from filming protests and public incidents.

In its ruling pronounced today (November 11), the Council of State has stressed that the related circular restricted the freedom of communication and press, concluding that fundamental rights and freedoms shall only be restricted by law. The Council has underlined that "imposing restrictions on fundamental freedoms and rights as per a regulation in the form of a circular of the general directorate of security does not comply with the Constitution."

With this ruling, the provisions of the circular will no longer apply. The request for annulling it will be finalized by the Council of State later.

What happened?

The Directorate General of Security, on April 27, issued a circular that bans recording voices and images at demonstrations. The Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) İstanbul Branch revealed the circular issued by the signature of Director General of Security Mehmet Aktaş.

With this circular, the police have been instructed to prevent the people who capture the images or voices of police officers during demonstrations and to take legal action against the related people.

The circular has argued that posting the recorded voices and images of police and civilians "violates the privacy of private life", adding that capturing voices and images prevents the fulfillment of duty as well. (HA/SD)