Blocking of video sharing website shows need to reform Internet Law in Turkey, says OSCE media freedom representative

VIENNA, 10 January 2014 – OSCE Media Freedom Representative Dunja Mijatović today warned that blocking of video sharing website Vimeo’s services in Turkey further limits freedom of expression and free media.

The Criminal Court of Peace ruled that the website could be blocked in Turkey in a judgement on Thursday.

“The Internet Law has become an additional tool to silence critical voices online, and the situation with Vimeo is proof of it,” Mijatović said. “The legislation should be quickly and thoroughly reformed and brought into compliance with international standards.”

According to media reports, more than 30,000 websites are currently unavailable for home users in Turkey today.

For several years now, the Office of the Representative has been advocating for reform of the Internet Law, also known as Law 5651 which came into force in 2007.  A detailed analysis of the law is available here: //www.osce.org/fom/51828.