PACE Recommendation 2081 (2015) on abuse of pretrial detention in States Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights, Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, rapporteur: Mr Pedro Agramunt, 1 October 2015

PACE Report Doc 13863 (2015) on Abuse of pretrial detention in States Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Rapporteur P. Agramunt, 7 September 2015

Committee of Ministers Recommendation Rec(2006)13 on the use of remand in custody, the conditions in which it takes place and the provision of safeguards against abuse, 27 September 2006

Committee of Ministers Recommendation Rec(2006)2 on the European Prison Rules, 11 January 2006

Article 10 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, 4 November 1950

Thematic factsheets Thematic factsheets

July 2018 Factsheet on the freedom of the press and the protection of one's reputation

July 2018

Factsheet on "prior restraints" and freedom of expression: the necessity of embedding procedural safeguards in domestic systems

July 2018 Factsheet on detention with a view to expel, return, transfer or extradite a person to another country

June 2018

Factsheet on the freedom of expression and terrorism

June 2018 Factsheet on media coverage of protests and demonstrations

June 2018 Factsheet on the fairness of criminal proceedings against media representatives

June 2018 Factsheet on the freedom to impart confidential information and its limits

June 2018 Factsheet on the positive obligations of member states to protect journalists and the freedom of expression

June 2018 Factsheet on detention and imprisonment of journalists

Alerts Alerts

20 April 2108

Creation 25/05/16

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

18 September 2018

Creation 02/06/17

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

17 September 2018

Creation 17/09/18

Investigative Journalists Detained in Bulgaria

14 September 2018

Creation 03/10/16

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations

12 September 2018

Creation 12/09/18

Austrian Journalist Max Zirngast Detained in Turkey

6 September 2018

Creation 20/01/17

Russian Journalist Aleksander Sokolov Held in Detention since July 2015

4 September 2018

Creation 04/09/18

United Kingdom: Two Journalists Arrested over Alleged Theft of Documents relating to Northern Ireland Massacre

28 August 2018

Creation 13/04/16

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

22 August 2018

Creation 22/06/17

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

20 August 2018

Creation 20/08/18

Reporters Detained by Police after Complaint by Anti-Merkel Protester

8 August 2018

Creation 15/06/18

Kurdish Journalist Berzan Güneş Arrested for Social Media Posts

27 July 2018

Creation 08/11/17

Russian Editor Arrested, Allegedly Injured in Custody; Newspaper Raided

18 July 2018

Creation 20/06/18

Journalist Hakan Gülseven in Jail for an Article

17 July 2018

Creation 27/11/15

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

12 July 2018

Creation 16/05/18

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

6 July 2018

Creation 27/07/16

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

2 July 2018

Creation 02/07/18

Journalist and Former MP Eren Erdem Detained for his Work as Editor-in-chief

28 June 2018

Creation 13/09/16

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

21 June 2018

Creation 30/01/18

Russia: Blogger Arrested on Extortion Charges

20 June 2018

Creation 20/06/18

Journalists Himad Messoudi and Julien Vlassenbroek Detained and their Equipment Confiscated

9 May 2018

Creation 09/05/18

Journalists Detained and Assaulted at Inauguration Protests

9 May 2018

Creation 10/04/18

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

4 May 2018

Creation 31/10/16

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

27 April 2018

Creation 27/04/18

Arrests and Confiscation at Özgürlükçü Demokrasi Newspaper

20 April 2018

Creation 18/04/18

ETHA Journalists Detained and Arrested in Turkey

6 April 2018

Creation 30/06/17

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

28 March 2018

Creation 31/12/17

Two Ukrainian Journalists Sentenced to 9 Years’ Imprisonment for Assisting Separatism

15 March 2018

Creation 11/04/17

Greek Journalist Arrested on Libel Charges

16 February 2018

Creation 24/02/17

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

15 February 2018

Creation 08/08/17

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

28 December 2017

Creation 04/08/17

NGO TV Presenter Detained and Allegedly Mistreated

18 December 2017

Creation 02/10/17

Uzbek Journalist on Interpol List Detained

18 December 2017

Creation 10/01/17

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

6 December 2017

Creation 10/01/17

Six Journalists Detained Without Explanation

5 December 2017

Creation 09/09/16

Journalist Imprisoned on Dubious Drug Charges in Chechnya

30 November 2017

Creation 07/09/17

Journalist Aslı Ceren Aslan Arrested Since February 2017

22 November 2017

Creation 16/05/17

Editor-in-Chief of Cumhuriyet Detained, Accused of Terrorist Propaganda

13 November 2017

Creation 15/12/16

Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadikhov in Pre-trial Detention

2 November 2017

Creation 09/08/17

Turkish-Swedish Journalist Detained at Airport Following Request by Turkey

2 November 2017

Creation 21/08/17

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

25 October 2017

Creation 18/05/17

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey

26 September 2017

Creation 05/11/15

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

18 September 2017

Creation 23/02/17

Azerbaijani Journalist Elchin Ismayilli Sentenced to 9 year in Prison

15 September 2017

Creation 03/08/17

French Journalist Detained at Iraq Border, Arrested on Terror Charges

14 September 2017

Creation 07/03/17

Israeli-Russian Blogger Aleksandr Lapshin to Be Tried in Azerbaijan

14 September 2017

Creation 14/09/17

Blogger Rashad Ramazanov Jailed for Nine Years

7 September 2017

Creation 07/09/17

Hatay Journalist Ceren Taşkın Detained for Social Media Posts

1 September 2017

Creation 22/09/16

Extended Pre-Trial Detention of Journalist Zoran Bozinovski

31 August 2017

Creation 15/03/16

28 Media Workers Detained and Fined for Illegal Border Crossing

31 August 2017

Creation 21/04/16

Three Journalists from Kosovo Arrested in Skopje

17 July 2017

Creation 17/07/17

Journalist Detained When Crossing Border Following Travel Ban

22 June 2017

Creation 05/06/17

Freelance Journalist, Nijat Amiraslanov, Sentenced to 30 Days Imprisonment

22 June 2017

Creation 22/06/17

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

14 June 2017

Creation 25/07/16

Journalist Zehra Doğan Arrested and Charged with "Membership of an Illegal Organisation"

20 March 2017

Creation 20/03/17

FSB Detains Independent Journalists in Svetogorsk

10 March 2017

Creation 19/05/15

Azerbaijan Arrested Prominent Journalist Rauf Mirkadyrov for Espionage

7 March 2017

Creation 30/08/16

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

1 March 2017

Creation 08/12/16

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

22 February 2017

Creation 26/01/17

Azerbaijani Freelance Journalist Sentenced to 30 days Administrative Detention

15 February 2017

Creation 07/09/16

Turkey: Two Journalists Detained under State of Emergency Provisions

14 February 2017

Creation 21/01/16

Ukrainian Journalist Maria Varfolomeyeva Held for over a Year in Eastern Ukraine

14 February 2017

Creation 21/01/16

Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba Held for Nearly a Year over Allegations of ‘Treason and Obstructing the Military’

3 January 2017

Creation 21/12/16

Belgium Arrests a Kurdish Journalist at Turkey's Request

22 December 2016

Creation 05/02/16

DIHA journalist Nuri Akman Arrested

31 October 2016

Creation 15/02/16

DIHA Journalist Nazım Daştan Arrested for Facebook Posts

27 October 2016

Creation 01/04/15

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

30 September 2016

Creation 27/07/16

Four DIHA and JINHA Reporters Detained in Nusaybin

13 September 2016

Creation 13/11/15

ABC News Cameraman Attacked and Detained for Three Hours by Police

13 September 2016

Creation 01/04/15

Independent Senior Journalist Parviz Hashimli Jailed in Azerbaijan

13 September 2016

Creation 02/04/15

Trumped-up Charges and Trial Without Due Process to Silence an Azerbaijani Journalist

13 September 2016

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Sergei Ilchenko Jailed on Extremism Charges in Moldova’s Transdniester Region

10 August 2016

Creation 30/03/15

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

12 July 2016

Creation 07/01/16

Kurdish Media Journalists Arrested in Turkey

13 June 2016

Creation 13/01/16

DIHA Journalist Murat Verim Detained in Dargeçit

13 June 2016

Creation 02/04/15

Investigative Journalist Mehmet Baransu Arrested

8 June 2016

Creation 05/02/16

Jiyan.org Press Correspondent Hayri Tunç Arrested

11 May 2016

Creation 30/12/15

Journalist Beritan Canözer Arrested in Turkey

1 May 2016

Creation 02/05/16

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

15 April 2016

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges

7 April 2016

Creation 01/04/15

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku

31 March 2016

Creation 13/01/16

JINHA Reporter Rojda Oğuz Arrested in Van

30 March 2016

Creation 13/01/16

IMC TV journalists Bekir Güneş and Mehmet Dursun Detained in Edremit

30 March 2016

Creation 13/01/16

Evrensel Journalist Eda Aktaş Arrested while Covering Women's Protest

28 March 2016

Creation 12/10/15

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested

29 February 2016

Creation 16/02/16

DİHA Journalist Detained at March for Kurdistan Workers' Party Founder

29 February 2016

Creation 01/04/15

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

26 February 2016

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Seyithan Akyüz Sentenced to more than 22 Years

5 January 2016

Creation 04/10/15

Detention of the Vice News Fixer Mohammed Ismael Rasool

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Ali Konar Sentenced to over 7 Years in Jail

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Kenan Karavil Sentenced to more than 19 Years

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Alawite Journalist Miktat Algül Sentenced to 61 Years in Turkey

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Erol Zavar, Suffering from a Cancer, is Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Hidayet Karaca Arrested

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Art and Literature Journalist Erdal Süsem Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Left-Wing Female Journalist Hatice Duman Serving Life-Time Imprisonment in Turkey

22 October 2015

Creation 02/04/15

Journalist Mustafa Gök Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

Replies from member states Replies from member states

28 August 2018

Reply from the Government of Montenegro

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

12 July 2018

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

28 March 2018

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

Two Ukrainian Journalists Sentenced to 9 Years’ Imprisonment for Assisting Separatism

18 December 2017

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

Uzbek Journalist on Interpol List Detained

5 October 2017

Reply from the Spanish authorities

Turkish-Swedish Journalist Detained at Airport Following Request by Turkey

31 August 2017

Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

28 Media Workers Detained and Fined for Illegal Border Crossing

31 August 2017

Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

Three Journalists from Kosovo Arrested in Skopje

16 August 2017

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

10 May 2017

Response from the Greek authorities

Greek Journalist Arrested on Libel Charges

14 February 2017

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

Ukrainian Journalist Maria Varfolomeyeva Held for over a Year in Eastern Ukraine

14 February 2017

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba Held for Nearly a Year over Allegations of ‘Treason and Obstructing the Military’

7 December 2016

Reply from Montenegro provided by the Ministry of Justice

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

13 July 2016

Reply from the authorities of the Republic of Moldova

Journalist Sergei Ilchenko Jailed on Extremism Charges in Moldova’s Transdniester Region

11 January 2016

Response of the Turkish Government

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested

8 January 2016

Response of the Ministry of Interior of Albania

ABC News Cameraman Attacked and Detained for Three Hours by Police

15 December 2015

Statement of the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the Council of Europe to the 1242nd meeting of the Ministrers' Deputies

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

7 December 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

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

30 November 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

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

17 November 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

Detention of the Vice News Fixer Mohammed Ismael Rasool

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Investigative Journalist Mehmet Baransu Arrested

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Journalist Ali Konar Sentenced to over 7 Years in Jail

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Journalist Kenan Karavil Sentenced to more than 19 Years

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey

Alawite Journalist Miktat Algül Sentenced to 61 Years in Turkey

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Journalist Erol Zavar, Suffering from a Cancer, is Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Journalist Hidayet Karaca Arrested

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Art and Literature Journalist Erdal Süsem Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Left-Wing Female Journalist Hatice Duman Serving Life-Time Imprisonment in Turkey

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Journalist Mustafa Gök Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

22 October 2015

Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

Journalist Seyithan Akyüz Sentenced to more than 22 Years

3 August 2015

Response of the Government of the Republic of Moldova

Journalist Sergei Ilchenko Jailed on Extremism Charges in Moldova’s Transdniester Region

1 June 2015

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

Independent Senior Journalist Parviz Hashimli Jailed in Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

Trumped-up Charges and Trial Without Due Process to Silence an Azerbaijani Journalist

1 June 2015

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku

1 June 2015

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

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

1 June 2015

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges

Follow-ups Follow-ups

14 September 2018

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

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations

12 September 2018

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

Austrian Journalist Max Zirngast Detained in Turkey

4 September 2018

OSCE media freedom representative seriously concerned by arrest of journalists in UK

United Kingdom: Two Journalists Arrested over Alleged Theft of Documents relating to Northern Ireland Massacre

24 August 2018

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

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

20 August 2018

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

Reporters Detained by Police after Complaint by Anti-Merkel Protester

6 June 2018

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

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

17 May 2018

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.

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

16 May 2018

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

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

4 May 2018

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

26 April 2018

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

20 April 2018

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.

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

18 April 2018

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.

ETHA Journalists Detained and Arrested in Turkey

6 April 2018

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

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

23 March 2018

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

20 March 2018

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”.

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

20 March 2018

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”.

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

19 March 2018

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".

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

12 March 2018

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

9 March 2018

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

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

16 February 2018

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

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

16 February 2018

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

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

16 February 2018

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

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

27 January 2018

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

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

19 January 2018

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

19 January 2018

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

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

19 January 2018

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

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

15 January 2018

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

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

18 December 2017

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

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

19 October 2017

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

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

19 October 2017

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

19 October 2017

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

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey

19 October 2017

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

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

19 October 2017

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

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

1 October 2017

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.

Six Journalists Detained Without Explanation

26 September 2017

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

26 September 2017

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

13 September 2017

PACE monitors react to release of Mehman Aliyev in Azerbaijan.

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

12 September 2017

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

11 September 2017

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

Israeli-Russian Blogger Aleksandr Lapshin to Be Tried in Azerbaijan

11 September 2017

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

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

11 September 2017

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

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

11 September 2017

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

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

31 August 2017

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.

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

25 August 2017

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

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

25 August 2017

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.

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

8 August 2017

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".

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

8 August 2017

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

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported

7 August 2017

OSCE Media Freedom Representative addressed the Turkish authorities demanding immediate release of French journalist Loup Bureau and to drop charges.

French Journalist Detained at Iraq Border, Arrested on Terror Charges

31 July 2017

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

28 July 2017

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

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

25 July 2017

OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

25 July 2017

OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

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

17 July 2017

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.

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

20 June 2017

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

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

12 June 2017

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).

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

6 June 2017

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

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

2 June 2017

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".

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

14 March 2017

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

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

7 March 2017

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

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

3 March 2017

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

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

2 March 2017

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

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

15 February 2017

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

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

15 February 2017

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

Turkey: Two Journalists Detained under State of Emergency Provisions

15 February 2017

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

15 February 2017

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

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

11 January 2017

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

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

9 January 2017

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

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

31 October 2016

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

20 June 2016

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

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

20 June 2016

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

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

26 May 2016

Statement of the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

25 May 2016

Statement of the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

13 May 2016

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.

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

2 May 2016

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

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

10 March 2016

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.

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

3 March 2016

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

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

26 February 2016

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

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

21 January 2016

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

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

14 January 2016

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

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

3 December 2015

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

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

30 November 2015

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

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

27 November 2015

Statement by Nils Muiznieks, CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

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

27 November 2015

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

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

27 November 2015

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

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

14 October 2015

Statement by CoE Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested

1 September 2015

Statement of the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

1 September 2015

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

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

1 September 2015

PACE President deplores Khadija Ismayilova sentence in Azerbaijan

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

21 August 2015

Statement of the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

22 January 2015

OSCE Representative denounces conviction of independent journalist and blogger in Russia

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

News archives News archives

Strasbourg 5 September 2018

Ukraine makes a voluntary contribution to support the Platform

Strasbourg 4 July 2018

Liechtenstein makes a new voluntary contribution to the platform

Strasbourg 9 May 2018

Secretary General shocked over the attack on investigative journalist in Montenegro

Strasbourg 15 May 2018

Secretary General 2018 Report: Role of Institutions, Threats to Institutions

Strasbourg 3 May 2018

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

Strasbourg 26 April 2018

CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls on member states to improve the safety of journalists

Strasbourg 7 March 2018

Council of Europe will closely follow the investigation into Jan Kuciak's murder, says Secretary General

Strasbourg 7 March 2018

New guidelines on media pluralism and transparency of media ownership

Strasbourg 22 February 2018

Commissioner for Human Rights : "Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia"

Strasbourg 19 February 2018

Questionnaire on Recommendation on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors

Strasbourg 14 February 2018

The Secretary General informs the Ministers' deputies about the recent activities of the Platform

Strasbourg 19 January 2018

Platform Partner Organisations Raise Alarm after Grim Record in 2017 and Urge Close International Scrutiny over the Investigation into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Murder

Strasbourg 19 January 2018

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

Strasbourg 6 November 2017

PEN International joins Council of Europe Platform to protect journalists

Strasbourg 26 October 2017

New factsheet published on the Platform

Strasbourg 17 October 2017

The Secretary General expresses his distress at the news of the death of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in a car bomb attack in his address to the Committee of Ministers

Strasbourg 17 October 2017

Murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

Strasbourg 26 September 2017

Commissioner for Human Rights - Arbitrary Internet blocking jeopardises freedom of expression

Strasbourg 17 September 2018

New issue of Safety of Journalists Weekly

Strasbourg 14 September 2017

Council of Europe experts discuss freedom of expression and terrorism with the Turkish authorities

Council of Europe Resources Council of Europe Resources

PACE Resolution 2077 (2015) on Abuse of pretrial detention in States Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights, 1 October 2015

Committee of Ministers Recommendation Rec(2006)13 on the use of remand in custody, the conditions in which it takes place and the provision of safeguards against abuse, 27 September 2006

Committee of Ministers Recommendation Rec(2006)2 on the European Prison Rules, 11 January 2006