43 journalists will spend New Year in jail
43 journalists will spend New Year in jail
Turkish and Kurdish journalists still face heavy pressure and repression when it comes to be able to their job without fear of been persecuted.
The Solidarity Platform of Imprisoned Journalists (TGDP) released its report, and figures show that there are 43 journalists in prison as of the end of 2010. Out of the 43, 10 are editor-in-chiefs and they will all spend the New Year in prison. TGDP Spokesperson Necati Abay called on the government to abolish the Counter-terrorism Law.
Some Turkish laws, in particular the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and the Counter-terrorism Law, serve as the basis for legal actions taken against journalists for writing stories and reports. Articles on Ergenekon topped the list of reasons used to prosecute journalists in 2010. There are currently 5,000 investigations underway on several journalists who wrote about the issue. A portion of these investigations have led to trials. Most journalists are taken to court based on Article 285 of the TCK, or “the breach of privacy,” and Article 288, or “attempt to influence a fair trial.”
Underlining that the situation with journalist is very serious Abay said new measures need to be taken urgently in 2011 for the release of journalists.
The Solidarity Platform of Imprisoned Journalists (TGDP) released its report, and figures show that there are 43 journalists in prison as of the end of 2010. Out of the 43, 10 are editor-in-chiefs and they will all spend the New Year in prison. TGDP Spokesperson Necati Abay called on the government to abolish the Counter-terrorism Law.
Some Turkish laws, in particular the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and the Counter-terrorism Law, serve as the basis for legal actions taken against journalists for writing stories and reports. Articles on Ergenekon topped the list of reasons used to prosecute journalists in 2010. There are currently 5,000 investigations underway on several journalists who wrote about the issue. A portion of these investigations have led to trials. Most journalists are taken to court based on Article 285 of the TCK, or “the breach of privacy,” and Article 288, or “attempt to influence a fair trial.”
Underlining that the situation with journalist is very serious Abay said new measures need to be taken urgently in 2011 for the release of journalists.
