Istanbul Anatolian Media Prosecutor’s Office decided not to follow through “spy crisis” article charges for Taraf newspaper reporter Hüseyin Özkaya after a complaint by MIT - Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization.
According to Taraf newspaper, Prosecutor Sıddık Ilgar said “the following regarding the case:
“Press freedom includes right to get, disperse and comment on information as well as creating published works. However, it must be stated that these rights are not infinite and it is only considered lawful within a respect on regulations.
“Press is the watchdog of public. It is the ears and eyes of the public. It can sometimes make harsh criticism. Governors must be ready to criticism more than anyone. As of its nature, criticism can be harsh.
“It is within the limits of press freedom to publish harsh articles and comments. Taraf’s articles have remained within the right to criticize it is considered as freedom of expression. Taraf’s articles seek public interest."
Entitled “Spy Crisis With Germany”, the aforementioned article was sued by MIT, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, for “accusation against the state” and “aspersion”.
In the complaint letter, MIT claimed that Taraf newspaper provoked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to declare war on Turkey. (EA/BM)
