OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan in Turkey one week after his release

VIENNA, 12 November 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his deep concern today regarding the re-arrest of the journalist and writer Ahmet Altan.

According to media reports, Ahmet Altan was re-arrested today, following a request by the 27th High Criminal Court on the grounds that his travel ban does not constitute a strong enough form of judicial control.

“I am appalled by this decision, which comes only a week after Altan’s release from prison. Arresting Altan again is a terrible setback and a reason for serious concern, especially if we take into account the length of the judicial process against him and the fact that he has already spent three years in pre-trial detention,” said Désir. The Representative added that the re-arrest of Altan can only deepen the media freedom crisis and increase the feeling of legal insecurity within the media community.

Journalists Ahmet Altan and  Nazlı Ilıcak were sentenced last week to 10 years and six months, and eight years and nine months in prison, respectively, for “aiding a terrorist group without being its member”, but were released on probation as the time spent in jail was taken into account. A third journalist, Professor Mehmet Altan, who was also charged in the same procedure, was acquitted due to a lack of evidence against him.

“I repeat my call to reverse this decision and ensure that journalists are protected and free to do their job,” Désir stressed.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He/she 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.