The amendments not only criminalise ‘spreading disinformation’ (which Sinan Aygül was charged for), and used to target journalists and their reporting that present authorities in a bad light, but also allow for much tighter government control over social media: platforms can now be throttled if they refuse to comply with government orders to remove or block content, or if they refuse to provide user data upon request. The Turkish government must put an end to the ongoing judicial harassment of journalists, who are targeted for exercising their fundamental right to free speech and providing people in Turkey with accurate information. Authorities must stop abusing anti-terror and internet laws, arbitrarily and systematically detaining media workers, and silencing the media.
ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with these journalists. We will continue to advocate for them and others who face similar struggles, and to call on the Turkish government to ensure journalists can do their crucial jobs freely and safely. |