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

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

19 February 2019

Creation 13/02/19

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

19 February 2019

Creation 27/07/16

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

14 February 2019

Creation 08/11/17

Russian Editor Arrested, Allegedly Injured in Custody; Newspaper Raided

30 January 2019

Creation 25/05/16

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

28 January 2019

Creation 02/07/18

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

22 January 2019

Creation 10/01/17

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges

21 January 2019

Creation 10/04/18

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

15 January 2019

Creation 13/04/16

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

14 January 2019

Creation 16/05/18

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

11 January 2019

Creation 30/03/15

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

7 January 2019

Creation 06/12/18

Turkish Journalist Kamil Demirkaya Detained in Romania

4 January 2019

Creation 12/09/18

Austrian Journalist Max Zirngast Detained in Turkey

2 January 2019

Creation 08/12/16

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

31 December 2018

Creation 31/12/18

Azerbaijani Journalist Ziya Asadli Held in Detention since September 2017

6 December 2018

Creation 30/08/16

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

6 December 2018

Creation 21/08/17

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan

6 December 2018

Creation 21/12/16

Belgium Arrests a Kurdish Journalist at Turkey's Request

6 December 2018

Creation 11/04/17

Greek Journalist Arrested on Libel Charges

6 December 2018

Creation 20/06/18

Journalist Hakan Gülseven in Jail for an Article

6 December 2018

Creation 16/02/16

DİHA Journalist Detained at March for Kurdistan Workers' Party Founder

6 December 2018

Creation 17/09/18

Investigative Journalists Detained in Bulgaria

28 November 2018

Creation 15/06/16

Journalist Nedim Türfent Sentenced to Jail for Interviewing Members of Illegal Organisation

27 November 2018

Creation 15/12/16

Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadikhov in Pre-trial Detention

20 November 2018

Creation 23/02/17

Azerbaijani Journalist Elchin Ismayilli Sentenced to 9 year in Prison

9 November 2018

Creation 24/09/18

Three Fileleftheros Journalists Detained After Defence Minister Files Libel Complaint

9 November 2018

Creation 02/10/17

Uzbek Journalist on Interpol List Detained

2 November 2018

Creation 18/04/18

ETHA Journalists Detained and Arrested in Turkey

12 October 2018

Creation 07/01/16

Kurdish Media Journalists Arrested in Turkey

26 September 2018

Creation 24/02/17

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained

26 September 2018

Creation 22/06/17

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

19 September 2018

Creation 04/09/18

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

17 September 2018

Creation 01/06/17

Exiled Journalist Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

14 September 2018

Creation 03/10/16

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations

12 September 2018

Creation 27/04/18

Arrests and Confiscation at Özgürlükçü Demokrasi Newspaper

6 September 2018

Creation 20/01/17

Russian Journalist Aleksander Sokolov Held in Detention since July 2015

22 August 2018

Creation 22/06/17

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

19 August 2018

Creation 19/08/18

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

17 July 2018

Creation 27/11/15

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

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

4 May 2018

Creation 31/10/16

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

28 March 2018

Creation 07/03/17

Israeli-Russian Blogger Aleksandr Lapshin to Be Tried in Azerbaijan

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

6 December 2017

Creation 10/01/17

Six Journalists Detained Without Explanation

5 December 2017

Creation 08/09/16

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

2 November 2017

Creation 09/08/17

Turkish-Swedish Journalist Detained at Airport Following Request by Turkey

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"

15 September 2017

Creation 03/08/17

French Journalist Detained at Iraq Border, Arrested on Terror Charges

13 September 2017

Creation 13/09/17

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

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

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’

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

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 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

20 December 2018

Turkish Journalist Kamil Demirkaya Detained in Romania

Reply from the Romanian authorities

5 December 2018

Investigative Journalists Detained in Bulgaria

Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

9 November 2018

Three Fileleftheros Journalists Detained After Defence Minister Files Libel Complaint

Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Citizen's Protection)

19 September 2018

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

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

28 August 2018

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

Reply from the Government of Montenegro

12 July 2018

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

28 March 2018

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

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

18 December 2017

Uzbek Journalist on Interpol List Detained

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

5 October 2017

Turkish-Swedish Journalist Detained at Airport Following Request by Turkey

Reply from the Spanish authorities

31 August 2017

28 Media Workers Detained and Fined for Illegal Border Crossing

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

31 August 2017

Three Journalists from Kosovo Arrested in Skopje

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

16 August 2017

Ukrainian Journalist Missing in Donbass

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

10 May 2017

Greek Journalist Arrested on Libel Charges

Response from the Greek authorities

14 February 2017

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

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

14 February 2017

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

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

7 December 2016

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

Reply from Montenegro provided by the Ministry of Justice

13 July 2016

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

Reply from the authorities of the Republic of Moldova

11 January 2016

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested

Response of the Turkish Government

8 January 2016

ABC News Cameraman Attacked and Detained for Three Hours by Police

Response of the Ministry of Interior of Albania

15 December 2015

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

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

7 December 2015

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

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

30 November 2015

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

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

17 November 2015

Detention of the Vice News Fixer Mohammed Ismael Rasool

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

22 October 2015

Investigative Journalist Mehmet Baransu Arrested

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

22 October 2015

Journalist Ali Konar Sentenced to over 7 Years in Jail

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

22 October 2015

Journalist Kenan Karavil Sentenced to more than 19 Years

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

22 October 2015

Alawite Journalist Miktat Algül Sentenced to 61 Years in Turkey

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

22 October 2015

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

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

22 October 2015

Journalist Hidayet Karaca Arrested

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

22 October 2015

Art and Literature Journalist Erdal Süsem Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

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

22 October 2015

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

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

22 October 2015

Journalist Mustafa Gök Serving Life Sentence in Turkey

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

22 October 2015

Journalist Seyithan Akyüz Sentenced to more than 22 Years

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

3 August 2015

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

Response of the Government of the Republic of Moldova

1 June 2015

Independent Senior Journalist Parviz Hashimli Jailed in Azerbaijan

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

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

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

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

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

Follow-ups Follow-ups

19 February 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter, 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, 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.

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

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

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.

4 September 2018

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

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

24 August 2018

Ukrainian Journalist 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 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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

26 April 2018

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

20 April 2018

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

"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.

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.

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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 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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

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

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

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

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

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

26 September 2017

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

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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.

7 August 2017

French Journalist Detained at Iraq Border, Arrested on Terror Charges

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

31 July 2017

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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 Missing in Donbass

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

25 July 2017

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

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

17 July 2017

Exiled Journalist 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 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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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 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 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

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

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

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

Turkey: Arrest of At Least 12 Employees of Cumhuriyet Newspaper

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

20 June 2016

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

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

20 June 2016

Criminal Investigation Opened Against Journalists for Solidarity Campaign

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

News archives News archives

12 February 2019 Strasbourg

Safety of Journalists' Platform report: media freedom conditions worsen

7 February 2019 Strasbourg

Event: Democracy at Risk

14 January 2019 Strasbourg

Slovak Republic makes a voluntary contribution to support the Platform

14 January 2019 Strasbourg

Demonstrations in France – Council of Europe condemns attacks on journalists

4 December 2018 Strasbourg

Misuse of anti-terror legislation threatens freedom of expression

11 February 2019 Strasbourg

New issue of Safety of Journalists Weekly

23 October 2018 Strasbourg

Luxembourg makes a voluntary contribution to support the Platform

09 October 2018 Strasbourg

Jagland calls for immediate action in defence of journalists

5 October 2018

Commissioner : Achieving justice & establishing truth about the murder of Anna Politkovskaya must become a priority in the Russian Federation

5 September 2018 Strasbourg

Ukraine makes a voluntary contribution to support the Platform

4 July 2018 Strasbourg

Liechtenstein makes a new voluntary contribution to the platform

9 May 2018 Strasbourg

Secretary General shocked over the attack on investigative journalist in Montenegro

15 May 2018 Strasbourg

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

3 May 2018 Strasbourg

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

26 April 2018 Strasbourg

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

7 March 2018 Strasbourg

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

7 March 2018 Strasbourg

New guidelines on media pluralism and transparency of media ownership

22 February 2018 Strasbourg

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

19 February 2018 Strasbourg

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

14 February 2018 Strasbourg

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

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

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

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

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