Following prosecution’s demand for life imprisonment, OSCE media freedom representative urges Turkey to release journalists

CORRECTION: Please note that in paragraph four of the press release from 13 December 2017 the number of imprisoned defendants is 19 and not 21. Additional clarification, the number of media workers being tried is 31.

VIENNA, 13 December 2017 – Following prosecution’s demand for life sentences and court decisions to continue the detention of several journalists facing life in prison, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today repeated his call for Turkey to release imprisoned journalists. 

“I am deeply concerned about the aggravated life sentences demanded by the prosecution for several journalists, including Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak,” the Representative said, referring to a court decision on 11 December to continue the detention of six defendants in the so-called ‘coup attempt media trial’. The journalists are accused of violating the Constitution and assisting in the preparations of the coup attempt of July 2016.

"Recognizing the serious security concerns faced by Turkey following the 2016 coup attempt, media freedom and freedom of expression are human rights that must be fully protected according to international law. The current state of emergency does not justify the unlimited restrictions on journalists. I urge Turkey, once again, to release all journalists imprisoned in the country," the Representative said.

The Representative noted that during the latest ‘Zaman trial’ hearing on 8 December, against 31 media workers, the court ruled to extend the detention of 19 imprisoned defendants, each facing the possibility of three life sentences, including Şahin Alpay who suffers from severe health problems and is reportedly in need of urgent medical treatment.

“I call on the Turkish authorities to pay due attention to humanitarian considerations in the case of Şahin Alpay,” Désir said. 

He also highlighted the fact that 20 journalists from various media outlets, including Abdullah Kılıç, Habip Güler and Yakup Çetin, have been in jail for over 500 days. They are accused of carrying out media activities on behalf of a terrorist organization, and face sentences between ten years to life without parole in prison. On 4 December, the court ruled to continue their imprisonment.

“These trials and detentions also highlight the urgent need to revisit the laws that allow for imprisonment for journalistic work, including the Anti-Terror Law, the Internet Law, and several provisions of the Criminal Code,” Désir said. “My Office stands ready to engage with the authorities on these important legal reforms.”

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 facebook.com/osce.rfom.