Detention and imprisonment of journalists

6 July 2020

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

OSCE Media Freedom Representative Harlem Désir dismayed by court verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia

6 July 2020

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

According to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, "the verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva reflect[s] once again the urgency to overhaul legislation governing freedom of assembly and of expression, as well as anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation in the Russian Federation".

12 June 2020

Two Journalists, Müyesser Yıldız and İsmail Dükel, Detained by Police for “Military Espionage”; Yıldız Arrested

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to respect freedom of expression

18 May 2020

Editor Abdulmumin Gadzhiev Detained in Russia on Terrorism Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates concern over continued detention of Russian journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev, calls for his release

11 May 2020

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

On 7 May 2020, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Azerbaijan failed to protect Ismayilova’s right to privacy, saying the country's courts should have sanctioned a local newspaper for an article making salacious claims and commentary about her private and sexual life. The Court also awarded Ismayilova with a total of 6,000 euros for damages, costs, and expenses.

3 April 2020

Journalist Ana Lalic Detained Overnight after Reporting on Conditions in Hospital

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes reversal by Serbian Government of decision on public information.

18 March 2020

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

PACE monitors for Azerbaijan welcome release of Afgan Mukhtarli.

9 March 2020

Odatv Executives and Journalists Detained over an Article

Journalists should not be detained for reporting on issues of public interest, says OSCE Representative Désir after arrest of 6 journalists in Turkey.

2 March 2020

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

On 27 February 2020, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Chamber judgment in the second case of Khadija Ismayilova against Azerbaijan. The Court held that the journalist had been arrested and detained without a reasonable suspicion of an offence. The Court found in particular that one of the charges against her – that she had incited a former colleague to commit suicide – was based on a complaint made under coercion and that other charges related to her work at Radio Azadliq were not backed up by facts. The Court concluded that the authorities’ actions against Ms Ismayilova had been driven by the intent to silence her and found several violations of the ECHR, including a violation of Article 18 in conjunction with Article 5.

21 February 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange

CoE Human Rights Commissioner declared that "Julian Assange should not be extradited due to potential impact on press freedom and concerns about ill-treatment".

30 January 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange

On 28 January 2020, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution titled “Threats to media freedom and journalists’ security in Europe, which states that member states should consider” the detention and criminal prosecution of Mr Julian Assange sets a dangerous precedent for journalists, and join the recommendation of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment who declared, on 1 November 2019, that Mr Assange's extradition to the United States must be barred and that he must be promptly released”.

20 December 2019

Crimean Tatar Journalists Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov and Rustem Sheikhaliev Detained by Russian Authorities

OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns arrest of citizen journalists in Crimea, calls for their immediate release.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Seymur Hazi Detained in Run-Up to Protests

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalists Detained and Subjected to Police Violence while Covering Peaceful Protests

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Fikret Faramazoglu, Azerbaijani Chief Editor of News Website Sentenced to Seven Years on Extortion Charges

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Ikram Rahimov Sentenced to One Year in Jail on Libel Charges

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Ziya Asadli Held in Detention since September 2017

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Elchin Ismayilli Sentenced to 9 year in Prison

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijan Arrested Prominent Journalist Rauf Mirkadyrov for Espionage

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Freelance Journalist Sentenced to 30 days Administrative Detention

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Senior Journalist Araz Guliyev Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison in Azerbaijan

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Detained When Crossing Border Following Travel Ban

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to refrain from imposing arbitrary or disproportionate travel bans and to lift immediately those which are in contradiction with the right to leave the country.

12 December 2019

Freelance Journalist, Nijat Amiraslanov, Sentenced to 30 Days Imprisonment

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Polad Aslanov Arrested, Jailed and Charged with High Treason

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Blogger Rashad Ramazanov Jailed for Nine Years

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Anar Mammadov Gets Suspended Prison Sentence

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

13 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan in Turkey one week after his release.

13 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights reacts to the decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan.

5 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey.

5 November 2019

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey.

28 October 2019

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Kurdish Media Journalists Arrested in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

25 October 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia

OSCE Representative for Media Freedom concerned by attacks against journalists during demonstrations in Spain, calls for protection of journalists covering protests.

25 October 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Seymur Hazi Detained in Run-Up to Protests

OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores obstruction of work of journalists in Azerbaijan, calling on authorities to ensure safe working conditions.

25 October 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass

OSCE Representative Désir strongly condemns jailing of Donetsk journalist Aseev, reiterates call for immediate release.

25 October 2019

TV Reporter Robert Bas Jailed for Refusing to Disclose Source at Murder Trial

OSCE Representative for media freedom calls for release of Dutch journalist Robert Bas; urges authorities to respect confidentiality of journalists’ sources.

24 October 2019

Journalists Detained and Subjected to Police Violence while Covering Peaceful Protests

OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores obstruction of work of journalists in Azerbaijan, calling on authorities to ensure safe working conditions.

22 October 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia

Worried about a context of growing insecurity for journalists reporting on the situation in Catalonia in recent months, with attacks against journalists on the rise, CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls Spanish authorities to investigate all reported cases of attacks against journalists, and to take measures s to guarantee the safety of all journalists during demonstrations.

10 October 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

CoE Human Rights Commissioner : Court decision prolonging Ahmet Altan detention is an "unacceptable delay in rectifying a blatant human rights violation".

7 October 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates his call for dropping criminal charges against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in the Russian Federation.

13 September 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of seven former Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey.

9 September 2019

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of Sushchenko and Vyshinsky, thanks both countries for this achievement.

9 September 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of Sentsov, Sushchenko and Vyshinsky, thanks both countries for this achievement.

28 August 2019

At Least Nine Journalists Detained for Reporting on Protests against Government-Appointed Trustees

OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises concern over recent detentions of journalists covering public protests in Turkey

24 July 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes acquittal of Turkish journalists Erol Önderoğlu, Ahmet Nesin and human rights defender Şebnem Korur Fincancı.

23 July 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights asks High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation to continue to accord close attention to this case with a view to ensuring full respect of Ms Prokopyeva’s rights and freedoms

19 June 2019

Russian Editor Arrested, Allegedly Injured in Custody; Newspaper Raided

OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of journalist Igor Rudnikov, calls on authorities in Russia to drop all charges

10 June 2019

Investigative Journalist Ivan Golunov, Known For His Investigations Into Political Corruption, Arrested For “Selling Drugs”

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe calls on the Minister of Interior of the Russian Federation "to personally address this situation."

7 June 2019

Investigative Journalist Ivan Golunov, Known For His Investigations Into Political Corruption, Arrested For “Selling Drugs”

Detention of investigative journalist Ivan Golunov in Russia deeply worrying says OSCE media freedom representative, calls on authorities to release him.

29 April 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by return to prison of former Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey, calls for their immediate release.

4 April 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

Sentencing journalists to prison greatly damages media freedom in Turkey, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative.

4 April 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Media Freedom Representative says sentencing journalists to prison greatly damages media freedom in Turkey following Özgür Gündem trial.

19 February 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

On 19 February 2019, CoE Human Rights Commissioner published a letter in which she asks the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Tatiana Moskalkova, to accord close attention to the case of Svetlana Prokopyeva, stressing that misuse of anti-terrorism legislation limits media freedom and freedom of expression.

13 February 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for dropping of criminal charges against Radio Ekho Moskvy journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia.

21 January 2019

Journalists Detained on Account of Social Media Posts Critical of the Military Operation in Afrin

Relieved that Seda Taşkın was released, the OSCE Representative hopes for her acquittal on appeal.

15 January 2019

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

On 10 January 2019, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered its judgment in one of the cases filed by Khadija Imsayilova (as the target of a systematic smear campaign comprising threats, intimidations and gross violations of her privacy designed to prevent her from pursuing her journalistic work). The ECtHR found violations of Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights by Azerbaijan in respect of these intrusions into the journalist's private life.

7 January 2019

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

Commissioner calls on the authorities of Azerbaijan to drop charges against Mehman Huseynov

7 January 2019

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

PACE co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Azerbaijan call upon authorities to review Mehman Huseynov’s case

10 December 2018

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Representative is alarmed that Turkey appeals court upheld sentences of journalists Ayşe Düzkan, Ragıp Duran, Mehmet Ali Çelebi, Hüseyin Bektaş and Hüseyin Aykol for “terrorism propaganda” in the Özgür Gündem trial. Journalistic activities and solidarity are not crimes.

28 November 2018

Investigative Journalists Detained in Bulgaria

OSCE Representative welcomes court ruling that police detention of investigative journalists Atilla Biro & Dimitar Stoyanov in Bulgaria was illegal.

7 November 2018

Russian Editor Arrested, Allegedly Injured in Custody; Newspaper Raided

One year after arrest of Russian journalist Igor Rudnikov, OSCE Representative reiterates call for his release

29 October 2018

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

OSCE Representative expresses serious concern about lasting pre-trial detention of journalist Kirill Vyshinsky in Ukraine.

12 October 2018

Journalists Detained on Account of Social Media Posts Critical of the Military Operation in Afrin

OSCE Representative appalled by Muş 2nd Heavy Penal Court 7.5 yrs prison sentence to reporter at Seda Taşkın for "aiding and abetting terrorist organisation as non-member".

27 September 2018

Three Fileleftheros Journalists Detained After Defence Minister Files Libel Complaint

OSCE Representative denounces arrest of Greek journalists after criminal defamation suit by Defence Minister, urges decriminalization of defamation.

14 September 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations

OSCE Representative reiterates call to release journalist Roman Sushchenko, following Russian Supreme Court upholding his sentence

12 September 2018

Austrian Journalist Max Zirngast Detained in Turkey

OSCE Representative strongly condemns detention of Austrian journalist Max Zirngast and urge authorities to immediately release him.

24 August 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass

OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates call for release of Stanislav Aseev following journalists’ first public appearance since being detained

20 August 2018

Reporters Detained by Police after Complaint by Anti-Merkel Protester

OSCE Representative for Media Freedom calls for an investigation into the temporary detention by police of ZDF team in Dresden

6 June 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass

OSCE Representative calls for immediate release of Donetsk journalist Stanislav Aseev one year after his illegal detention

17 May 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom representative welcomes the release of journalists Ali Bulaç and Mehmet Özdemir from pre-trial detention and the vend of house arrest for Şahin Alpay, but increased sentences demanded against other defendants and continued arrests are of great concern.

16 May 2018

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

OSCE Representative raises concern over raid against Russian News Agency and TV today in Ukraine

4 May 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

Secretary General deeply worried by the chilling effect the heavy criminal sentences may have on media freedom

26 April 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE representative welcomes release of Akın Atalay in Turkey but strongly condemns prison sentences for Cumhuriyet journalists and staff.

20 April 2018

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Media Freedom Representative declared that interim decision to prolonge trial of Kurdish newspaper Özgür Gündem editors, including Erol Önderoglu, Ahmet Nesin and Sebnem Korur Fincanci means chilling effect these trials impose on journalists will continue in Turkey and urged for acquittal so they can continue their work freely.

18 April 2018

ETHA Journalists Detained and Arrested in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative worried about the arrest Etkin Haber Ajans reporter Adil Demirci, on terrorism charges and continued detention of journalists Semiha Şahin, Pınar Gayıp.

6 April 2018

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of journalist Aziz Orudjev in Azerbaijan

23 March 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

All Cumhuriyet journalists must be released, says OSCE representative Désir following continued detention of CEO Atalay

20 March 2018

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

On 20 March 2018, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Grand chamber judgment on Mehmet Altan’s case. The Court found there had been a violation of Article 5 § 1 (right to liberty and security) and a violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention for Human Rights. With regards to article 5 §1, according to the Court findings, “Mr Altan’s continued pre-trial detention, after the Constitutional Court’s clear and unambiguous judgment of 11 January 2018 (…), could not be regarded as ‘lawful’ ”. The Court held that “for another court to call into question the powers conferred on a constitutional court to give final and binding judgments on individual applications ran counter to the fundamental principles of the rule of law and legal certainty, which (…) were the cornerstones of the guarantees against arbitrariness”. Under Article 10, the Court held in particular that “there was no reason to reach a different conclusion from that of the Constitutional Court, which had found that Mr Altan’s initial and continued pre-trial detention, following his expression of his opinions, constituted a severe measure that could not be regarded as a necessary and proportionate interference in a democratic society”. The Court pointed out in particular that “criticism of governments and publication of information regarded by a country’s leaders as endangering national interests should not attract criminal charges for particularly serious offences such as belonging to or assisting a terrorist organisation, attempting to overthrow the government or the constitutional order or disseminating terrorist propaganda”.

20 March 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

On 20 March 2018, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Grand chamber judgment on Şahin Alpay’s case. The Court found there had been a violation of Article 5 § 1 (right to liberty and security) and a violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention for Human Rights. With regards to article 5 §1, according to the Court findings, “Mr Alpay’s continued pre-trial detention, after the Constitutional Court’s clear and unambiguous judgment of 11 January 2018 (…), could not be regarded as ‘lawful’ ”. The Court held that “for another court to call into question the powers conferred on a constitutional court to give final and binding judgments on individual applications ran counter to the fundamental principles of the rule of law and legal certainty, which (…) were the cornerstones of the guarantees against arbitrariness”. Under Article 46 (binding force and execution of judgments) of the Convention, the Court held that it was incumbent on the respondent State to ensure the termination of Mr Alpay’s pre-tria detention at the earliest possible date. Under Article 10, the Court held in particular that “there was no reason to reach a different conclusion from that of the Constitutional Court, which had found that Mr Alpay’s initial and continued pre-trial detention, following his expression of his opinions, constituted a severe measure that could not be regarded as a necessary and proportionate interference in a democratic society”. The Court pointed out in particular that “criticism of governments and publication of information regarded by a country’s leaders as endangering national interests should not attract criminal charges for particularly serious offences such as belonging to or assisting a terrorist organisation, attempting to overthrow the government or the constitutional order or disseminating terrorist propaganda”.

19 March 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

OSCE media freedom representative welcomes the release of Şahin Alpay but considers that "placing him under house arrest is contrary to the 2nd Constitutional Court ruling".

12 March 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes the release of two Cumhuriyet journalists, calls on Turkey to free Akın Atalay and drop charges against all defendants

9 March 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

OSCE representative Désir urges Turkey to release and drop charges against 25 media workers sentenced to prison, including journalists Aksoy and Taş

16 February 2018

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

Life sentences for Turkish journalists are an unprecedented, unacceptable attack on freedom of expression, say OSCE representative on Media Freedom.

16 February 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

Life sentences for Turkish journalists are an unprecedented, unacceptable attack on freedom of expression, say OSCE representative on Media Freedom.

16 February 2018

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

OSCE Media freedom representative welcomes the release of Deniz Yücel, adding that all charges against him should be dropped.

27 January 2018

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir welcomes Russian Supreme Court decision as positive step, calls for release of Ali Feruz.

19 January 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the recent decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court in his address to the Committee of Ministers

19 January 2018

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the recent decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court in his address to the Committee of Ministers

19 January 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the recent decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court in his address to the Committee of Ministers

15 January 2018

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

OSCE media freedom representative Désir condemns jailing of investigative journalist Afgan Mukhtarli in Azerbaijan

18 December 2017

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

OSCE media freedom representative calls on Azerbaijan authorities to end restrictive measures detrimental to journalists’ freedom and safety

19 October 2017

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey

On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

On 10 October 2017, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

1 October 2017

Six Journalists Detained Without Explanation

The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Two Turkish Journalists, Cevheri Güven and Murat Çapan, Charged with "Inciting Armed Rebellion"

The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes the release of Kadri Gürsel and calls for release of imprisoned Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey.

13 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

PACE monitors react to release of Mehman Aliyev in Azerbaijan.

12 September 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative renews calls on Turkey to urgently release jailed journalists.

11 September 2017

Israeli-Russian Blogger Aleksandr Lapshin to Be Tried in Azerbaijan

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes the pardon and release of Aleksandr Lapshin.

11 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

Volodymyr Ariev, PACE General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and the Safety of Journalists, welcomes the release of the Director of Turan agency Mehman Aliyev.

11 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes release of Azerbaijani journalist Mehman Aliyev, calls for all charges to be dropped.

11 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

Statement by the Spokesperson of the Secretary General on the release of Mehman Aliyev

31 August 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights dismayed at last blow to media freedom in Azerbaijan: Turan news agency Director Mehman Aliyev detained and announced suspension of agency operations.

25 August 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

PACE co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan (Sub-Committee on Conflicts between Council of Europe Member States) calls for the immediate release of Mehman Aliyev.

25 August 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

CoE Secretary General calls on the authorities in Azerbaijan to respect the spirit of the country’s cooperation with the Council of Europe and to fully abide by its commitments under the European Convention on Human Rights in order to avoid yet another case of unjust deprivation of liberty which has no place in a democratic society.

8 August 2017

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

Commissioner for Human Rights calls "on the Russian authorities to release Mr Nurmatov from the temporary detention facility and to ensure that he is provided with all the necessary procedural safeguards in the context of the administrative proceedings in question".

8 August 2017

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media closely following appeal against deportation of journalist Ali Feruz with hope for a positive outcome.

31 July 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

Cumhuriyet trial interim court decision shows urgency to drop charges and release all imprisoned Turkish journalists, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative.

28 July 2017

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass

OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for immediate release of detained Donetsk journalist Stanislav Aseev.

25 July 2017

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

25 July 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

17 July 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

The European Court of Human Rights began its consideration of Afgan Mukhtarli abduction case. On 8 June 2017, the Court sent a request for information to the Azerbaijani government.

20 June 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

Volodymyr Ariev, PACE General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and the Safety of Journalists, calls for release of Afqan Mukhtarli

12 June 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

On 8 June 2017, the European Court of Human Rights communicated to the Turkish Government the case of Sabuncu and Others v. Turkey. The applicants, ten journalists from the daily newspaper Cumhuriyet placed in police custody and subsequently in pre-trial detention on suspicion of having committed offences on behalf of terrorist organisations and disseminating propaganda for them, complained about their pre-trial detention and its duration, and also submit that there has been a breach of their freedom of expression. They further allege that their detention is a sanction against them for criticising the government and amounts to politically-motivated judicial harassment. They rely in particular on Article 5 § 1, 3 and 4 (right to liberty and security / right to speedy review of the lawfulness of detention), Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 18 (limitation on use of restrictions on rights).

6 June 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

Boriss Cilevics and Kerstin Lundgren, co-rapporteurs of the PACE, urge Georgian authorities to fully investigate abduction of Afqan Mukhtarli

2 June 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

Commissioner for Human Rights "appalled by what happened to Afgan Mukhtarli, an Azerbaijani journalist and activist, who has reportedly been abducted in Georgia and forcibly taken to Azerbaijan, where he is now facing prosecution for illegal crossing of the border and smuggling".

14 March 2017

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

Opinion of the Venice Commission on the Measures provided in the recent Emergency Decree Laws with respect to Freedom of the Media

7 March 2017

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

OSCE Freedom of Media Representative and Human Rights chief call for release of blogger and human rights activist in Azerbaijan

3 March 2017

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights calls the two-year sentence against Mehman Huseynov in defamation case "appalling".

2 March 2017

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media calls on Turkey to decriminalize journalistic work following arrest of Die Welt journalist

15 February 2017

Police Raided Azadiya Welat Newspaper, at least 23 Staff Members Detained

Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Turkey: Two Journalists Detained under State of Emergency Provisions

Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

11 January 2017

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

CoE Human Rights Commissioner expresses his worries at reported ill-treatment, arrest, fine of blogger Mehman Huseynov.

9 January 2017

Freelance Journalist and Fixer Jovo Martinovic Tried for “Being a Member of a Criminal Organization”

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes release of Montenegrin journalist and calls for conclusion of his case

31 October 2016

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

Statement from Secretary General Jagland expressing his concern about state of emergency measures and freedom of expression in Turkey

20 June 2016

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Representative appalled by imprisonment of two journalists and a human rights activist in Turkey, urges their release

20 June 2016

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights appalled by detention of human rights defenders in Turkey will take this up with the authorities.

26 May 2016

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

Statement of the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom

25 May 2016

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

Statement of the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

13 May 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the case of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his address to the Committee of Ministers on 11 May 2016.

2 May 2016

Two-year Prison Sentences for Cumhuriyet Journalists Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Çetinkaya

OSCE Representative condemns prison sentences against Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey, urges to ensure their safety

10 March 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

The Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe expresses its serious concern at recent developments in Turkey with respect to restrictions on media freedom and access to pluralistic information, challenges to the decisions of the Constitutional Court.

3 March 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

Secretary General welcomes the release of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his address to the Committee of Ministers

26 February 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

Secretary General Jagland welcomes the release of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül.

21 January 2016

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks intervenes before the European Court of Human Rights on the case of Khadija Ismayilova

14 January 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

CoE Secretary General mentions the continuing detention of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his allocution to the Committee of Ministers about the outcome of the meeeting of the informal working group on freedom of expression in Turkey

3 December 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

CoE Secretary General focuses on the arrest of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his address to the Committee of Ministers

30 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

Hürriyet Daily News article quoting the statement by the spokesperson of European Council Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland

27 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

Statement by Nils Muiznieks, CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

27 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

Ingebjørg Godskesen and Nataša Vuckovic, co-rapporteurs for PACE’s post-monitoring dialogue with Turkey question arrests of leading journalists

27 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

OSCE Representative condemns arrest of journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül, urges Turkey not to proceed with charges

14 October 2015

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested

Statement by CoE Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland

1 September 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

Statement of the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom

1 September 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

Statement by the Spokesperson of Secretary General Jagland on the verdict in the case of Khadija Ismayilova in Azerbaijan

1 September 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

PACE President deplores Khadija Ismayilova sentence in Azerbaijan

21 August 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

Statement of the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

22 January 2015

Investigative Journalist Sergei Reznik Handed a 3-Year Jail Term for ‘Insults’ Charges in Russia

OSCE Representative denounces conviction of independent journalist and blogger in Russia

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Detention and imprisonment of journalists

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