(IPI/IFEX) – In a 5 June 2001 letter to Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, IPI expressed deep concern over a draft media law that would require Internet websites in Turkey to submit their pages to the authorities prior to publication. According to IPI sources, if the draft law is passed, website operators would be forced […]
(IPI/IFEX) – In a 5 June 2001 letter to Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, IPI expressed deep concern over a draft media law that would require Internet websites in Turkey to submit their pages to the authorities prior to publication.
According to IPI sources, if the draft law is passed, website operators would be forced to hand over copies of pages to a prosecutor and a governor’s office before they can post them on the Internet. All electronic broadcasts carrying text or pictures would be affected by the proposed legislation. In addition, the draft law would also oblige new Internet service providers to obtain permission from the authorities before starting operations.
The requirement to submit material to the authorities, prior to its publication, is an undue restriction on freedom of the media and expression. It could be used by the authorities to prevent publication of material deemed harmful to their interests, including criticism or other forms of discourse that are healthy and necessary parts of public debate in democratic societies. Indeed, judging by recent actions taken against websites in Turkey, it would appear that the draft law could provide the authorities with further power to censor information before it is published, which is in contradiction with internationally accepted standards.
On 16 February, it was reported that the website www.subay.net was taken off the Internet after it allegedly insulted the Turkish army. IPI believes that the proposed law could be used in a similar way by the authorities to control what is being published on the Internet. Consequently, it is in gross violation of Article 10.1 of the European Convention on Human Rights to which Turkey is bound. This Article guarantees the “…freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.”
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:
– urging him to take the necessary steps to ensure that any legislation introduced concerning the media is in line with internationally accepted standards
– requesting that the current draft law be withdrawn
Appeals To
His Excellency Bülent Ecevit
Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey
Prime Minister’s Office
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 417 57 43
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
