Detention of hundreds in Turkey for expressing dissenting views on military operation in Afrin is unacceptable, OSCE representative warns

VIENNA, 7 February 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir turned to the authorities of Turkey yesterday to strongly contest the detention of hundreds of social media users for expressing their critical views on the Afrin operations in Syria.

“Detention for expressing one’s dissenting views on social media, including on military operations, is unacceptable. I request the authorities to reconsider such practice,” Désir said. 

According to the Turkish Interior Ministry, as many as 449 people were detained and charged with propaganda for terrorism for their social media posts on Turkey’s recent military operations in Afrin. Media also reported that in many cases detainees were only released under specific conditions such as restrictions to travel abroad or drive a vehicle. Several are still in detention.

The Representative emphasized in a letter to Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on 6 February that creating an environment restrictive to freedom of expression can only weaken democratic societies. 

“Disagreeing with actions taken by the government should not be punished with imprisonment. Freedom of expression must be respected, even in times of conflict or war,” the Representative added today. “Security concerns should not lead to disproportionate restrictions on fundamental freedoms. I call on Turkey to reverse the current approach toward critical expressions, release those detained arbitrarily and drop the charges against them.”

The Representative has been calling for improvements in freedom of expression and media freedom in Turkey since he took office. His earlier statements can 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.