OSCE media freedom representative protests against continued imprisonment in Cumhuriyet trial, calls on Turkey to stop silencing journalists

VIENNA, 25 December 2017 - Following the 5th hearing in the Cumhuriyet trial, OSCE media freedom representative Harlem Désir repeated his earlier resolute calls on Turkey to free all journalists in prison and drop charges against them.  

“I remain greatly concerned by the ongoing trial against the staff of the daily Cumhuriyet,” Désir said. “It has placed significant hardship and despair on the journalists and their loved ones. It has also weakened the public debate and democratic process in Turkey, because it has created a major threat to meaningful journalism and to critical debates in the country.”

On 25 December, a court ruled that all four imprisoned Cumhuriyet staff must remain behind bars: chairman Akın Atalay, accountant Emre İper, editor-in chief Murat Sabuncu, and prominent investigative journalist Ahmet Şık. In a move that provoked high emotions during the hearing, a judge ordered Ahmet Şık to be removed from court after he started presenting his defense statement. The next hearing is scheduled for 9 March 2018.

“I repeat my call to the authorities to put an end to the trial which held the Cumhuriyet staff unjustly in prison for over a year, accusing them of severe charges that have not been proven,” said the Representative. “Ahmet Şık and his colleagues embody what professional journalism is about. Instead of depriving them of their freedom, it is time to protect their important work.”

“The possibility of long prison sentences for differing views remains a terrible reality for every journalist in Turkey, including those released pending trial. This renders the situation of media freedom and free expression nothing short of critical,” said the Representative.

Désir also noted the severe economic difficulties that the continuous pressure has put on Cumhuriyet. “Cumhuriyet is a well-known, independent and free newspaper which has no part in terrorism or in the coup attempt of July 2016,” he emphasized, adding that his Office will continue monitoring the trial.

Earlier statements of the Representative on the Cumhuriyet trial cab be accessed at www.osce.org/fom.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.