OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of Turkey

On 26 March, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met with the newly appointed Ambassador Hatun Demirer, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the OSCE, to welcome the new Ambassador and discuss the current media situation in Turkey.

Ribeiro and Ambassador Demirer shared views on the media landscape in Turkey, including the ongoing prosecution of journalists and the independence of the judiciary in the country. They touched upon the challenges to, and opportunities for, ensuring a favourable working environment for journalists and the media in Turkey. In this regard, Ribeiro reiterated that her Office will continue to closely monitor the related developments in the country, and she expressed her appreciation in receiving further information from the Turkish authorities on specific cases of concern.

Ambassador Demirer highlighted the human rights reform package that the Turkish authorities recently announced, which, among other areas, covers the media sector, denominating it as a vital component in the evolving reforms in the country. Ribeiro expressed her interest in learning more about this initiative and offered her Office’s assistance in providing expert recommendations in the field of freedom of expression and media freedom, in line with relevant international standards and OSCE commitments.

To secure a free and safe media environment in Turkey, and across the OSCE region, Ribeiro and Ambassador Demirer both agreed that open, mutual and constructive dialogue are of crucial importance.