IPS Communication Foundation – Bianet

Two lawsuits and seven investigations were opened against Kurdish singer Ferhat Tunc in connection to speeches he delivered during the run-up to the general election on 12 June 2011.

A central Internet filtering system, designed “to protect minors from harmful content on the Internet”, came into effect on 22 November.

A total of 71 journalists are behind bars on the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, while the list of those convicted or awaiting trial continues to grow.

The Alternative Information Association and BIANET argue that the filtering proposal constitutes illegal censorship and violates the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc announced that plans were under way to include online media under the mandate of the Press Law. The Alternative Information Association has criticised the process by which the bill is being developed, and its scope.

Ragip Zarakolu and Büşra Ersanlı were detained on 29 October as part of the police’s Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) operation. They remain in detention.

The agencies are the main source of news for newspapers and television channels and their statement has created concerns over whether the news is going to be “controlled right from the start”.

Hatip Dicle from the Labour, Peace and Democracy Block is facing prison sentences of a total of 10 years on charges related to a book he wrote in 2008 and a speech he made in 2009.