Kretchmer: Broader Freedom of Expression

Representatives of the EC and Council of Europe met with members of Turkish Parliamentary Justice Commission to discuss the draft Turkish Penal Code and Kretschmer hopes Turkey will review lows on freedom of expresion.

Ankara

Hansjoerg Kretschmer, the Head of the European Commission (EC) Representative to Turkey, expressed hope on Monday that Turkey would review laws on freedom of expression.

Representatives of the EC and Council of Europe (COE) met with members of Turkish Parliamentary Justice Commission to discuss the draft Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

Kretschmer appreciated efforts of Turkish parliamentarians to amend regulations for one and a half years, but recalled that there were still some laws to be reviewed.

Draft TCK law aimed to eliminate shortcomings listed in the report on the progress made by Turkey in 2003, Kretschmer said.

Kretschmer stressed that Turkey had recorded significant progress in women's rights and men-women equality.

EC and COE representatives would explain Turkish officials how Europe considered regulations on articles related with insulting the state and discuss amendments to Code of Criminal Procedure (COE) and execution of punishments, Kretschmer said.

The EU could say that Turkey had recorded significant development in case TCK was adjusted to European standards, Kretschmer added. (BRC-AÖ)(YE)