In 2011, journalism and rights organisations in Turkey and worldwide urged for the release of imprisoned journalists, called for the abrogation of the Anti-Terror Law, observed trial hearings and requested amendments to lengthy detention periods, says a new BIANET report.
(BIANET/IFEX) – In 2011, Human Rights Watch (HRW), PEN International (PEN), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the International Press Institute (IPI), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Freedom House, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg all issued statements or released reports regarding press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey.
In their reports and statements, the international organisations drew special attention to articles in the Anti-Terror Law (TMK) and the Turkish Criminal Law (TCK) that restrict freedom of expression, as well as to lengthy detention periods.
Representatives and rapporteurs of the organisations, who visited Turkey throughout the year, also observed hearings in the Oda TV case and the trials for the international bestsellers “The Soft Machine” and “Snuff”.
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