“Despite the progress made by Turkey in recent years regarding free and open debates on previously sensitive issues, the situation of freedom of expression and media freedom remains particularly worrying. Urgent measures are needed to uphold these rights and foster a more tolerant atmosphere towards criticism and dissent” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, releasing today a report on Turkey.

The Commissioner welcomes recent changes to the Turkish Constitution, which are likely to have a positive effect on freedom of expression and media freedom. He considers, however, that the letter and spirit of the present Constitution continue to hinder the full respect of pluralism and freedom of expression. He therefore encourages the Turkish authorities to ensure that the planned constitutional reform will be carried out in close consultation with all political parties and civil society in order to overcome these obstacles.

According to him, the Criminal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as the overly restrictive attitude of judges and prosecutors have also been serious impediments to the efforts to improve freedom of expression in the country. He finally considers that a review by the Turkish authorities of the Internet Act and the Radio and Television Act is also urgently needed. Systematic Internet censorship and the blocking of websites by competent administrative authorities is beyond what is necessary in a democratic society, he underlines.