OSCE representative Désir warns about shrinking space for online expression in Turkey, following parliament’s adoption of latest restrictive provision

VIENNA, 22 March 2018 – “Today, the Internet is the main platform where pluralistic discussions can still take place in Turkey. Further restricting access to the Internet will critically weaken access to information and online expression,” OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir said today.

On 21 March, Turkey’s parliament adopted a provision that further extends the already far-reaching powers of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) in allocating licenses for online broadcasting. On 28 February, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media issued a legal analysis of the then draft provision, raising the attention of Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül to the draft’s potentially harmful effects on media freedom and freedom of expression.

“I regret that my recommendations were not reflected in the adopted law, and that a public discussion involving all stakeholders did not take place. I continue to offer the expertise of my Office to help Turkey reform its Internet legislation in line with international standards,” Désir said.

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.