Amnesty denounces restrictions on freedom of expression in Turkey
The human rights organization Amnesty International (AI) has denounced restrictions on freedom of expression in Turkey. Despite legal reforms in recent years, freedom of expression remains severely restricted.
Hundreds of political activists, journalists, writers and lawyers have been charged or are in prison in Turkey for expressing unwelcome opinions, according to a report Amnesty presented in Istanbul on Wednesday. Amnesty called on the parliament in Ankara to bring Turkish laws in line with international human rights standards and protect freedom of expression. "Several criminal offenses that are abused to suppress dissent are still in force despite promises of reform in recent years," said Amke Dietert, Turkey expert for Amnesty International in Germany.
Anti-terrorism laws abused
The AI report lists numerous examples. In addition, Amnesty analyzes ten criminal offenses that are particularly frequently used against representatives of unpopular opinions. Among them are several paragraphs of Turkey's anti-terror law, it said. "In recent years, the anti-terror law has been increasingly used to prosecute political speech, critical writings and participation in demonstrations," Dietert said. This applies, for example, to dealings with the Kurdistan Workers' Party PKK, he said.
Referring to the ongoing peace negotiations between the PKK and the Turkish government, Dietert said that respect for freedom of expression is an important prerequisite for successful peace negotiations. Fundamental reform leading to full freedom of expression, association and assembly is an essential step for a peaceful and democratic Turkey, he added. (SDA)
