TEXT-Association of Turkish Journalists statement on PM
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Turkey is in the middle of the most problematic period on freedom of expression in its history since the start of the multi-party system in politics.
Freedom of expression comes first among the jus cogens of democracy. The European Convention on Human Rights also gives the assurance that this freedom must be used without interference from official institutions
But we cannot mention such an assurance at the point we have reached.
It is impossible to have freedom of expression through bargaining or threatening.
In the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Turkish Journalists there is a rule that reads:
A journalist cannot remove or ignore the basic information, and cannot change the texts and documents. It must not use wrong, misleading or altered publication materials.
The remarks of Mr. Prime Minister do not only contain an injustice against the Dogan Group and its employees, but also the media and journalists as a whole.
Claims that Dogan Group’s editorial line changed because its interests are in danger indirectly implies that the editorial line of the media that support the Prime Minister is directed with their interests and this is a very unjust attitude that would intensify the polarization.
The Association of Turkish Journalists thinks it is mandatory to urge Mr. Prime Minister to change his attitude that harm the endeavors ensuring multiple opinions.