Turkey still far from European standards of press freedom

18 December 2004
Reporters Without Borders

European deputies voted on 15 December for the discussions to start without "needless delay" but on the basis of Ankara complying with certain conditions.

In particular they are seeking the repeal of Article 305 of Turkey’s new criminal code, that comes into effect on 1st April 2005 and which they consider runs contrary to freedom of expression.

Even though the new criminal code that becomes law on 1st April 2005 removes the offence of "mocking and insulting government ministers", there remains a problem with Article 305.

This punishes alleged "threats against fundamental national interests". It specifically targets freedom of expression, particularly on issues involving Cyprus or Armenia. The European parliament voted on 15 December for a resolution calling, among other things, for the immediate repeal of this article, viewed as incompatible with the 1950 Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.