Yurdatapans Document Quest Continues

National Security Policy Document is secret. This is the MGKs reply to human rights activisit Yurdatapans question. When he didnt get a satisfactory response to his objection, he applied to the Evaluation Board for Obtaining Information.

Erol Önderoğlu

Sanar Yurdatapan, the spokesperson for the Initiative Against Thought Crimes, making use of his right under the Law on the Right to Obtain Information, made an inquiry to National Security Council about the "National Security Policy Document."

After receiving a response from the Council telling him the document is "secret," Yurdatapan sent in another inquiry, asking why the document is secret.

Now, Yurdatapan, who hasn't received a satisfactory response to his objection, applied to the Evaluation Board for Obtaining Information at the Prime Ministry.

"I received a crammed response made up of many sentences which don't answer my question," said Yurdatapan, adding that he will continue to make use of his legal right to obtain information. The human rights activist plans to apply to Turkey's top administrative court if he doesn't get a satisfactory response from the Evaluation Board either.

"I just can't accept to be the citizen of a country ruled by secret orders instead of a coherent legal system," said Yurdatapan.

He called on those who agree with him to make use of their rights. "I am calling on them to contribute to efforts to have Turkey adopt a transparent regime," he told bianet.

Those interested in obtaining information may apply by clicking on the "form to obtain information for individuals," through the "Obtaining Information" link on www.mgk.gov.tr. They may also send a fax to the number provided on the Web site. (EO/BB/EA/YE)

Origin

BÄ°A News Center

Erol Önderoğlu

[email protected]

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A graduate of the French Language and Literature Department at İstanbul University. He has served as the Turkey representative for the international organization Reporters Without...

A graduate of the French Language and Literature Department at İstanbul University. He has served as the Turkey representative for the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), where he began as a reporter in 1996. Since 1999, he has worked at bianet, a project of the IPS Communication Foundation, as the coordinator of the Legal Support Desk, editor for freedom of expression, and editor-in-chief. He has authored more than 4,800 signed news articles and opinion pieces. He has also written for Bizim Gazete and the journal Güncel Hukuk. He currently prepares the Media Monitoring Reports at bianet.