The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) continues its repressive and punitive measures against opposition media outlets. During its customary weekly session centered on monitoring cases, RTÜK rendered three instances of program suspension and imposed a three percent administrative penalty on TELE1 and KRT. KRT's penalty was attributed to the language employed in the "Haftanın Panorama" program, where references to the HDP and Kurdish voters were deemed in violation of broadcasting standards, specifically those governing "the inseparable unity of the state with its land and people." Meanwhile, Tele1's "Forum Weekend" program allegedly contained content that denigrated headscarves and belittled families enrolled in Quran courses. Consequently, the channel was penalized for pursuing a broadcasting approach that was "antithetical to national and ethical values."4In the lead-up to the May 2023 elections, we have periodically highlighted within this Bulletin the measures enacted by the government to instill fear and assert control over opposition media outlets. Evident from RTÜK's consecutive resolutions subsequent to the elections, the media sector stands as a realm where the government has displayed the utmost assertiveness against opposition entities. Both the Chairman's stance and the Board's determinations lean toward penalizing opposition channels whenever a chance arises. Nevertheless, this approach not only curtails the freedom of expression and information but also contributes to Turkey's descent in international press freedom rankings.Conversely, while the government exhibited inklings of reverting to "rational policies" and conventional economics following the elections, it persistently clings to its former repressive tactics concerning freedom of expression, information, and the right to assembly and demonstration. The government's assumption that it can reconcile these diametrically opposed strategies rests on an unfounded illusion. This scenario underscores that the government's approach to democracy and development lacks a comprehensive perspective, as it predominantly pursues policies tailored to elongating its political tenure.However, it's imperative to acknowledge that within an environment where journalists are gripped by the specter of arrest, media outlets are coerced into prioritizing political over market relations, and experience pressure from both ruling and opposition factions (as exemplified in the CHP's intricate rapport and schism with Halk TV), "rational policies" are incapable of attaining the desired objective. The coexistence of authoritarian governance and liberal economics has only found success in a handful of nations, while in numerous countries, including Turkey, the former has tended to expand at the expense of the latter. If the government's aspiration is to elevate Turkey into a prosperous state, it must recognize that selective rational policies will not suffice. A comprehensive approach to rights and freedoms is imperative.

The Freedom Observer

If the government's aspiration is to elevate Turkey into a prosperous state, it must recognize that selective rational policies will not suffice. A comprehensive approach to rights and freedoms is imperative.

Program Suspension Penalty for TELE1 and KRT

Following the defeat in both May elections, discussions regarding the CHP have intensified. The CHP's relationship with the opposition media has become a topic of debate, alongside internal opposition, preparations for the congress, and relations with other parties. CHP Deputy Chair Eren Erdem made a written statement announcing the unilateral termination of the agreement between the CHP and Halk TV, effectively ending their association. The statement mentioned that the termination was exercised within the framework of Article 6.3 of the protocol dated 01.01.2023 between the party and the television channel Halk TV, which is subject to the audit of the Constitutional Court (Court of Accounts).In response to this announcement, the owner of Halk TV expressed respect for the CHP administration's decision, stating that it is their natural right. The owner emphasized that Halk TV's objective journalism is dedicated to its audience, and their high viewership rates and strong bond with the audience attest to this. Despite facing significant fines from RTÜK, they have never compromised on their commitment to objective journalism, advocating for modern Turkey, its founding values, the people, labor, and the truth. They pledged to continue adhering to this principle in their broadcasting, aiming not to be in favor of or against any political party or administration but to stand for the people and the truth.We can say that the relationship between media organizations and political parties in Turkey is quite problematic. One of the reasons for Turkey's low ranking in press freedom indices is the tendency of media organizations to maintain their existence through a network of political relations that are exempt from the dynamics of the market economy. This situation has been revealed with data in the report titled 'Turkey's Press Freedom Report 2022' written by Prof. Dr. Burak Bilgehan Özpek for the Freedom Research Association. &nbsp;We can observe the ruling party providing financial incentives to media executives, which results in organizations aligned with the government transforming into propaganda vehicles. Simultaneously, the government endeavors to intimidate opposition media establishments through punitive measures.The recent debate revolves around the connection between opposition parties and opposition media, a topic that has received relatively little attention in the media-politics discourse. It is worth mentioning that the relationship between the Republican People's Party (CHP) and Halk TV, despite limited information on its content, bears resemblance to the government's association with partisan media. It appears that the CHP is dissatisfied with Halk TV's broadcasting policies, despite its financial support through advertisements. This discontent could be attributed to the participation of numerous commentators who criticized the CHP administration in post-election programs, potentially influencing the party's decision-making process.It should be noted that the independence of media organizations is contingent on their freedom from the influence of not only the ruling party but also opposition parties. Media independence does not necessarily require an entirely impartial editorial policy, especially in market relations.Unfortunately, in Turkey, media outlets appear to prioritize financial benefits from political actors over serving their viewers or readers as a source of income. Similarly, political actors seek to exploit media outlets as tools for propaganda.Özpek, in the report published in January 2023, revealed the current state of the opposition media and its relationship with the CHP. The report stated, "Especially before the 2023 presidential elections, it has been observed that the opposition media has lost its impartiality and revised its editorial policy in favor of certain candidates within the opposition. With the possibility of CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's candidacy strengthening, some news that could be detrimental to Ekrem İmamoğlu, one of the strongest candidates against him, were produced."

It is worth mentioning that the relationship between the Republican People's Party (CHP) and Halk TV, despite limited information on its content, bears resemblance to the government's association with partisan media.

CHP-Halk TV Relationship Ends

According to the report, 2022 has been a devastating year for press freedom in Turkey, where the systematic repression of independent media continues. MapMF recorded a total of 167 press freedom violations in Turkey, involving 362 individuals or media outlets. Turkey continues to be one of the countries that imprison journalists the most in the world. At the time the report was published, 41 journalists were in prison.Journalists who cover critically about the AKP face threats of arrest and prosecution. Meanwhile, increasing physical attacks on journalists add to a hostile and dangerous work environment. Kurdish media, in particular, face great pressure due to both their journalistic activities and their ethnic origins.Güngör Arslan, owner and editor-in-chief of the local newspaper "Ses Kocaeli", was shot dead in front of his office in February. Arslan wrote articles criticizing the former Kocaeli Provincial Head of Ülkü Ocakları, Ersin Kurt, who is said to have ordered the murder to silence him.More than half of the documented cases (53.3%, 89 violations) that aim to silence the independent media and critical journalists are harassed through using the law in an arbitrary manner. Arbitrary detentions, prison sentences, deportations, and police raids account for about a quarter (24.0%, 40 violations) of documented cases in Turkey.13.2% of the violations recorded consisted of judicial convictions (22 violations) including different terrorism charges. Journalists have also been regularly subjected to harassment campaigns and received physical violence and death threats online.Another major blow to press freedom came last October when the Turkish Grand National Assembly passed a comprehensive new law that would face up to three years in prison for those accused of spreading disinformation. As part of the same package law, internet news portals were recognized as the official news media, and these portals were also required to publish "corrections" issued by the authorities. In addition, a regulation entitled "Ethics of the Press", which came into effect in July will particularly influence news about LGBTIQ+ by allowing it to censor media content based on "morality".Meanwhile, the government-controlled Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) continued to impose discriminatory sanctions on media outlets and block access to websites. Courts have decided to block access to hundreds of news stories. After the bomb attack in Istanbul in November, Turkish authorities decided to ban broadcasting and restricted access to social media.Journalists in Turkey were subjected to physical violence, mostly by the police (66 targeted journalists and 21 cases) while covering protests. About two-thirds (63.6%) of such cases of physical violence (33 violations) recorded on MapMF were perpetrated by state security forces. Meanwhile, female journalists were also sexually assaulted and harassed by the police. * Gürkan Özturan – European Centre for Press and Media Freedom Media Freedom Rapid Response Coordinator <hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"> [1] https://halktv.com.tr/siyaset/erdogan-hdp-kararinin-ardindan-telefona-sarildi-iste-o-konusma-727804h[2] https://www.anayasa.gov.tr/media/8438/2021-2-spk-ara-karar.pdf[3] https://www.anayasa.gov.tr/media/8594/2021-2_spk_ara_karar-9_3_2023.pdf[4] https://www.mapmf.org/explorer?f.year=2022&amp;f.country=Turkey. Proje Avrupa Komisyonu tarafından finanse edilmektedir. Geçmiş raporlar MapMF web sitesinden indirilebilir ve bu rapor için uyarılara, sürekli güncellenen ve izleme ortakları tarafından belgelenen tüm uyarıları toplayan ve görselleştiren Uyarı Gezgini aracılığıyla erişilebilir.[5] https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2023/03/20230331-15.pdf[6] https://tr.euronews.com/2021/12/20/cumhurbaskan-erdogan-dan-turk-liras-mevduatlar-icin-yeni-duzenleme-ac-klamas

In a report published by the International Press Institute (IPI), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and the European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) as part of a joint Media Freedom Emergency Response (MFRR) project that monitors and supports threatened journalists, media workers, and platforms, it seems that there are data on press and media freedom in Turkey that are not at all optimistic. 

Media and Press Freedom Violations Monitoring Report 2022

The censorship law was published in the Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete) last night and entered into force. More precisely, except for some articles that will enter into force as of April 1, 2023, Article 29, which is a direct violation of freedom of thought and expression and imposes prison sentences on the owners of expressions that the government does not like, entered into force immediately.Although it is said to have been prepared in consultation with the undersecretary of the US Embassy, the statements, reactions and realities belie the claim that ‘Turkey has enacted a law that is an example for the world.’The disinformation law opened its eyes to the world with the government's disinformation.&nbsp;The US said they did not have a similar law.The United Nations condemned the law. Marta Hurtado, the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, ‘Under international human rights law, freedom of expression is not limited to truthful information, but includes all forms of information and opinion.’The UN spokesperson emphasised that the Turkish law ‘contravenes the article on the right of the people to information’ in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe also condemned the law. In a joint statement, international press freedom organisations opposed the law, particularly on the grounds of Article 29, which violates press freedom.In Turkey, independent journalists and their organisations, as well as opposition parties, have also said that the law targets not only journalists but society as a whole.Facilitating access to informationFreedom House, a non-governmental organization defending freedom and human rights, publishes annual reports on freedoms around the world. In its 2022 report on Internet freedom, the organisation states:<blockquote fr-original-style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); border-color: rgb(37, 44, 60); border-width: 4px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 10px;" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); border-color: rgb(37, 44, 60); border-width: 4px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 10px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; border-left-style: solid; box-sizing: border-box;">‘The fight against disinformation and propaganda depends on public access to reliable information and news from the ground. Democracies should step up efforts to develop independent online media at home and abroad with financial support, create financial models, technological support and professional development.’</blockquote>There is no need for prison sentences to prevent the public from being exposed to fake news.The only thing that needs to be done is to establish a transparent communication system to ensure that the media, and therefore the public, have access to accurate news.By calling the silencing law ‘disinformation’, the government is trying to demagogue that those who reveal the truth and criticise the government are ‘out of the loop, with a foreign name’.As if this was not enough, the Directorate of Communication has started publishing ‘disinformation’ reports every week. &nbsp;They address prosecutors.Restrictions on freedom of expression thought and the press does not only affect journalists and activists. The private sector, entrepreneurs, science, academia, and healthcare sector are also affected by this toxic environment.Bans backfire in IranIn Iran, the demonstrations that started with women's riot faced a very harsh reaction from the regime.As in previous demonstrations, the Internet was restricted again and this time access to WhatsApp and Instagram was banned.But the riot has not been extinguished.The demonstrations continue to grow.The Instagram bans also had economic consequences. There are reports that more than 450 online businesses have closed, many workers have been laid off, and 4 million people and their families are facing economic hardship.In many regions, workers, shopkeepers, and traders are now joining the women's riot.&nbsp;According to official reports, 240 people have lost their lives in Iran.But they cannot do it, they cannot suppress the voice of the people.In no period of history could the truth be covered up by pressure, persecution, imprisonment, and tyranny.Those who feared the truth lost, and those who tried to work from their dark corners were sooner or later left alone with their shame.Because the truth is free, it does not shut up when told to ‘shut up.’

Spektrum

Truth is free, it does not shut up when told to shut up

Quietening Law

• <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/world/europe/eu-court-funds-hungary-poland.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">The European Court of Justice</a> ruled that the bloc can cut funding to member states that are flouting democratic standards, pointing at Poland and Hungary. EU's top court ruling is a landmark decision regarding how the bloc deals with populist leaders that are accused of undercutting democratic rights and values.&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="padding-inline-start: 20px;" style="padding-inline-start: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; list-style-position: inside; box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Zoom in: Poland and Hungary, two large recipients of EU funds, have been under criticism for years of shifting away from democratic norms such as exerting excessive control over the judiciary, cracking down on press freedom and denying LGBT+ rights.</li></ul>

Aposto World

• <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.dw.com/en/press-freedom-rapidly-deteriorating-in-china-report/a-60606141" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Foreign journalists in China</a> are facing "unprecedented hurdles" ahead of the Winter Olympics, and reporters in the Xinjiang region are getting increasingly harassed, according to a press freedom report by the Foreign Correspondent's Club of China.&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="padding-inline-start: 20px;" style="padding-inline-start: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; list-style-position: inside; box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Behind the scenes: Many journalists who traveled to the Xinjiang region reported that they were visibly followed, asked to delete data, and state-backed online harassment campaigns were used to make their job difficult.</li></ul>

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