'It is Great Concern for Me that the Constitutional Court Decision has not been Implemented'

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The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir stated that he “viewed Constitutional Court decision as an important step”. Désir had sent a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu last week.

We asked Désir whether he received a response to his letter and what he thinks about freedom of the press in Turkey.

“It’s very important that the Constitutional Court action is respected”

You send a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu, to ensure that the Constitutional Court decision in the cases of imprisoned journalists Mehmet Altan and Şahin Alpay is implemented and that the journalists are released without any further delay. Have you got any reply? 

 As of today, I have not received a response. I view the Constitutional Court decision as an important step in improving media freedom in the country.

This is a landmark decision as it states that maintaining in prison journalists Mehmet Altan and Şahin Alpay is a disproportionate measure and violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

It could pave the way for other arrested journalists in Turkey in similar situation. It is a great concern for me that the Constitutional Court decision has not been implemented and that the two journalists remain in prison.

It’s very important that the rule of law and Constitutional Court action are respected especially when it comes to respect of fundamental freedoms and human rights.

That’s why I have sent a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavusoğlu. I call for the respect of the Constitutional Court decision without further delay.

“Journalists are not terrorists” 

What are your main concerns about the freedom of media in Turkey. What is your most important call to Turkey? 122 journalists and media staff entered January 1, 2018 in prison according to bianet’s last report.

Here is the link. https://bianet.org/english/media/193364-name-by-name-imprisoned-journalists

Today, Turkey is the OSCE Participating Stare with the highest number of journalists in prison.

The security situation in Turkey after the coup attempt of July 2016, with the state of emergency and a high level of terrorist threat has been, and still is, a very difficult one, I fully understand that. But I am deeply worried when journalism is criminalized in Turkey. Journalists are not terrorists and in a democracy they shouldn’t be consider as such.

“The cases I have named here are only the tip of the iceberg”

The charges against the journalists in prison have appeared groundless in trial hearings. I have addressed the media freedom situation in Turkey on many occasions and repeatedly called on authorities to drop charges on all journalists and release them.

I have not only intervened in the case of Mehmet Altan and Şahin Alpay, but also to Cumhuriyet trial in which Reporter Ahmet Şık, Editor-in-chief Murat Sabuncu and Executive board president Akın Atalay are in prison for journalism. The cases I have named here are only the tip of the iceberg, as it can be seen from your list of arrested journalists as well. 

“Pressure against free expression is increasing every day”

Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are an integral part of the commitments took by OSCE participating States. Pluralistic and free debates should be protected by the authorities.

Unfortunately I observe a different trend in Turkey. Pressure against free expression is increasing every day. Media outlets are closed, internet is censored and journalists are arrested.

“Journalists should be able to do their job freely”

Once again I call on Turkey to drop charges and release all arrested journalists and protect their important work. Journalists should be able to do their job freely.

I have also called the authorities to embark upon a series of fundamental legislative reforms aimed to bring the laws governing media freedom and freedom of expression in line with international standards.

I have stated that my Office stands ready to assist the government with advice on possible reforms. The state of emergency cannot last for ever in a democracy and fundamental freedoms including freedom of the media have to be respected to build the future in Turkey. (PT/TK)