Strasbourg 10.10.2024 the Parliament adopted resolution on human rights issues in Türkiye.
MEPs express their deep concern about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, and the targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members.

They condemn the sentence against Bülent Mumay and call on the authorities to drop the charges against him and all arbitrarily detained media workers, political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants and academics. MEPs deplore a complex web of legislation that systematically silences and controls journalists, and denounce the new “foreign agent regulation” to be introduced by the end of 2024.

Parliament calls on Turkish authorities to restore judicial independence, respect press freedom and ensure compliance with international human rights obligations.

The resolution was adopted by show of hands. The full version will be available here (10/10/2024).

Previously the International Press Institute (IPI) and the undersigned freedom of the press and expression organisations denounced the decision by a Turkish appeals court to uphold the 20-month prison sentence against renowned journalist Bülent Mumay. This verdict represents a severe assault on press freedom and freedom of expression in Türkiye, further eroding the foundations of democratic discourse.

Also the Nongovernmental organization Human Rights Watch has accused president Erdogan of “targeting perceived government critics and political opponents, profoundly undermining the independence of the judiciary, and hollowing out democratic institutions.”