OSCE media freedom representative Désir welcomes release of journalist Deniz Yücel in Turkey

VIENNA, 16 February 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today welcomed the release of the German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yücel.

“My Office and others have been repeatedly calling for Yücel’s release and the release of all other journalists that remain behind bars in Turkey. Yücel has spent a year in pre-trial detention, without knowing the charges against him. I welcome his release, and call on the authorities to drop all charges against him so that he can resume his important work. I reiterate my call on Turkey to release all journalists imprisoned,” Désir said.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media has repeatedly urged the Turkish authorities to release the Die Welt-correspondent, who was detained on 14 February 2017 and formally arrested on 27 February 2017. According to the indictment, he is facing up to 18 years in prison. For previous statements, see http://www.osce.org/fom/342076 and http://www.osce.org/fom/302351.

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.