Military Steps Back, Yet Media Bans Contiue
The 13-page report covers 26 cases and 69 journalists problems under the headings: Attacks and Threats, Detentions and Arrests, Trials and Attempts, European Court of Human Rights, RTUK Procedures, Regulations and Legal Procedures andReactions Against Censorship.
NSC (National Security Council) untied of the RTUK
President Sezer ratified the law lifting the National Security Councils powers to suggest a member for Radio and Television Higher Board (RTUK). Hence, there are now 8 board members instead of 9.
Another sign of lesser military involvement in controlling freedom of expression was writer Abdurrahman Dilipaks prosecution at a military court. The court returned the case for charges of disturbing military hierarchy with the justification that the case was outside of its jurisdiction and sent the case to a civilian court.
RTUK expects applications for Kurdish broadcasting
Even though broadcast in languages other than Turkish is allowed since 25 January 2004, the local medias situation in excercising the right remains uncertain.
They are awaiting formal applications from the local media such as Soz TV and Gun TV from Diyarbakir and Cagri FM from Batman.in the Kurdish speaking southeast region, to decide on the matter say RTUK officials.
11 cases against 13 journalists
During the period, there are 2 journalists prosecuted under TCKs (Turkish Penal Code) article 159; two others prosecuted under TCK article 312/2 and another two prosecuted under 312/. Two journalists are prosecuted under article 169 and one journalist under article 309. There are also two journalists prosecuted under the TMY (Anti-Terror Law).
The case against TV anchor Mehmet Ali Birand for interviewing the lawyers of Abdulah Ocalan on his news program, 32. Gun (The 32nd Day) on CNN Turk, is most emblematic of such prosecutions.
6 journalists detained
During these 3 months, 6 journalists were detained for various periods. During the first half of 2004, 1 journalist was detained; however, during the second half of the year that number went up to 33.
Violations by police continue
Mersin local newspaper reporter Hakki Cat, Istanbul daily Gunluk Evrensel reporter Ugras Vatandas and Istanbul daily Cumhuriyet reporter Gokce Uygun were attacked by the police. There were also 3 other journalists attacked by unknown assailants.
During the 3-month period, 6 threats to journalists were reported and unknown assailants have gunned Yeni Alanya newspapers offices.
Local media silenced for broadcasting in Kurdish
RTUK has stopped broadcasts of Gun TV and Can TV for 30 days for separatism and incitement for hatred; Diyarbakirs Gun TV for broadcasting live presentations in Kurdish from the Local Governance Symposium and Can TV for broadcasting Kurdish music.
RTUK also stopped broadcasts of radio stations Anadolunun Sesi (Voice of Anatolia) and Hakkari FM for 30 days.
RTUK stopped 8 TV shows
Kanal D, ATV and Show TV received 8 program bans for being against the goals of Turkish national education and including expressions that surpass personal criticism.
During the first half of 2004 there were 21 program bans; the number went down to 5 in the second half of the year. Unfortunately it seems to be in rise again.
94 warnings
8 warnings were issued for local radios, 11 for local TV stations and 75 warnings for national TV stations during the 3-month period. The number of warnings show a steady increase throughout the year: first half of the year 39, second half 61 and now 94.
Turkey was sentenced at the ECHR in 3 cases
The European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) sentenced Turkey to pay 13,000 euro to Ertugrul Kurkcu and Ragip Zarakolu for violating freedom of expression. The court also sentenced Turkey to pay 15,000 euro for the killing of newspaper distributor Irfan Aktas. (EO/AB/YE)