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OSCE STUDY SHOWS 95 JOURNALISTS JAILED IN TURKEY
PanARMENIAN.Net
April 2, 2012 - 16:46 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Dunja MijatoviÄ~G, the OSCE Representative on Freedom
of the Media, presented an updated analysis on imprisoned journalists
in Turkey on April 2 and called for immediate reform of the nation's
media laws.
"The number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey has significantly
increased in the past year," MijatoviÄ~G said. "This is worrisome and
demands the immediate attention and swift action of the authorities."
Ninety-five journalists are in prison today, up from 57 a year ago,
according to the OSCE study, which is an update of a similar analysis
published last year.
"The sheer number of imprisoned journalists raises fundamental
questions about the law and policy on journalism and free expression
in Turkey. I am concerned that the threat of imprisonment will lead
to further widespread self-censorship," MijatoviÄ~G said.
"The laws need to be changed so journalists are not jailed for their
work. Those who are in prison now need to be released," MijatoviÄ~G
said.
The study shows journalists face extended pre-trial detention and
long sentences if convicted.
"Courts do not routinely grant pre-trial release to accused
journalists," she said. "I am aware of only seven recent occasions
when journalists were released pending trial, a development which
I publicly welcomed. I hope others will be released soon and their
trials finalized swiftly."
The study shows that the laws most commonly used to jail journalists
are Article 5 and 7 of the Anti-Terror Law (relating to articles of
the Criminal Code on terrorist offences and organizations or assisting
members of or making propaganda in connection with such organizations,
as well as the lengthening of sentences), and Article 314 of the
Criminal Code (on establishing, commanding or becoming member of an
armed organization with the aim of committing certain offences).
MijatoviÄ~G said that she recognized the legitimate right of
governments to fight terrorism and protect national security and
their citizens.
"However, objective reporting about all issues, including sensitive
topics such as terrorism, is a fundamental part of democratic societies
and journalists play an indispensable role by providing information
to the public."
Ahead of publication, MijatoviÄ~G sent the study and shared her
concerns with the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, offering
her Office's full assistance in reforming the media laws in Turkey,
OSCE said on its website.
PanARMENIAN.Net
April 2, 2012 - 16:46 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Dunja MijatoviÄ~G, the OSCE Representative on Freedom
of the Media, presented an updated analysis on imprisoned journalists
in Turkey on April 2 and called for immediate reform of the nation's
media laws.
"The number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey has significantly
increased in the past year," MijatoviÄ~G said. "This is worrisome and
demands the immediate attention and swift action of the authorities."
Ninety-five journalists are in prison today, up from 57 a year ago,
according to the OSCE study, which is an update of a similar analysis
published last year.
"The sheer number of imprisoned journalists raises fundamental
questions about the law and policy on journalism and free expression
in Turkey. I am concerned that the threat of imprisonment will lead
to further widespread self-censorship," MijatoviÄ~G said.
"The laws need to be changed so journalists are not jailed for their
work. Those who are in prison now need to be released," MijatoviÄ~G
said.
The study shows journalists face extended pre-trial detention and
long sentences if convicted.
"Courts do not routinely grant pre-trial release to accused
journalists," she said. "I am aware of only seven recent occasions
when journalists were released pending trial, a development which
I publicly welcomed. I hope others will be released soon and their
trials finalized swiftly."
The study shows that the laws most commonly used to jail journalists
are Article 5 and 7 of the Anti-Terror Law (relating to articles of
the Criminal Code on terrorist offences and organizations or assisting
members of or making propaganda in connection with such organizations,
as well as the lengthening of sentences), and Article 314 of the
Criminal Code (on establishing, commanding or becoming member of an
armed organization with the aim of committing certain offences).
MijatoviÄ~G said that she recognized the legitimate right of
governments to fight terrorism and protect national security and
their citizens.
"However, objective reporting about all issues, including sensitive
topics such as terrorism, is a fundamental part of democratic societies
and journalists play an indispensable role by providing information
to the public."
Ahead of publication, MijatoviÄ~G sent the study and shared her
concerns with the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, offering
her Office's full assistance in reforming the media laws in Turkey,
OSCE said on its website.