SEEMO 16 September 2014

The South East Europe Media Organization has expressed its deep concern regarding two new articles on the subject of internet laws, that were adopted on 10 September 2014 in Turkey.

Link: SEEMO

The new measures give Turkish authorities a wide range of powers regarding user's internet activity data, blocking webpages and surveiling internet users. This legislative bill is providing the government-appointed regulatory body TIB with even more power.

The new legislature comes after several existing violations of user privacy in Turkey, as well as blocking YouTube, Twitter and other popular platforms.

Prosecutors and courts in Turkey have begun charging journalists with „tresspassing on private property“ and „property damage“, in addition to previous charges of insult, breach of confidentiality and propaganda against the government.

„The new measures are a fundamental threat to Internet users in Turkey, but also journalists and all others“ SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said. „Freedom of expression and access to information are elementary human rights that must be respected by all, and especially by authorities. I urge Turkish institutions to revoke this bill“ he added.

 

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso and its partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. The project's page: Safety Net for European Journalists.A Transnational Support Network for Media Freedom in Italy and South-east Europe.