(RSF/IFEX) – The following is the full text of a press release issued by RSF. On the eve of President Suleyman Demirel’s visit to France, RSF issues a reminder that in 1997 close to twenty journalists were tortured in Turkey. More than 250 of their colleagues were taken in for questioning or were imprisoned. Suppression […]
(RSF/IFEX) – The following is the full text of a press release issued by RSF.
On the eve of President Suleyman Demirel’s visit to France, RSF issues a
reminder that in 1997 close to twenty journalists were tortured in Turkey.
More than 250 of their colleagues were taken in for questioning or were
imprisoned. Suppression of the press has continued since the beginning of
1998, resulting in twelve journalists brought in for questioning by
authorities, two imprisoned, seven attacked and one threatened.
In spite of an amnesty law which took effect in August 1997, and which was
followed by the release of six editors-in-chief, several laws continue to
undermine freedom of the press: article 8 of the antiterrorist law, which
punishes propaganda against the indivisibility of the Turkish state, and
articles 311, 312 (inciting crime and hatred) and 159 (insulting the State)
of the criminal code.
RSF regrets that, despite promises made by the Turkish government, these
laws continue to be applied in order to condemn and detain journalists. Our
organization demands the immediate release of Ismail Besikci and Haluk
Gerger, who were condemned for crimes of expression. RSF is also
investigating more than 90 cases of journalists currently in detention.
RSF demands amendments to the antiterrorist legislation and to those
articles of the criminal code which undermine freedom of the press. We call
for an inquiry into all cases of torture, harassment and detention of
journalists in Turkey. RSF notes that the Turkish government, candidate for
membership in the European Union, does not always respect its obligations
with regard to freedom of the press.
RSF asks that the French authorities, particularly Mr. Jacques Chirac,
President of the Republic, bring to Mr. Demirel’s attention the situation of
detained journalists and the necessity of legislative reform regarding
freedom of the press.