OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of prominent Turkish journalist, study shows 54 journalists still in prison

VIENNA, 10 March 2014 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the release of journalist Tuncay Özkan and urged swift, fair and transparent trials for all imprisoned journalists in Turkey. Mijatović’s office today also presented an updated analysis on imprisoned journalists in Turkey.

“I am very pleased to hear that Tuncay Özkan is free,” Mijatović said. “The aggravated life sentence handed down to him last August was of unprecedented length and severity and a grave attack on free expression and media freedom in Turkey.”

Özkan, former owner of the Kanal Biz television station, was arrested in September 2008. Among the charges brought against him was membership in the alleged Ergenekon organization. In August 2013 Özkan was sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement for attempting “to destroy or prevent the government to operate.”

“Özkan is only one of many journalists in Turkey who have been imprisoned for what they said or wrote,” Mijatović said. “I urge the authorities to ensure fair and transparent trials for all imprisoned journalists.”

A study commissioned by the Office of the Representative presented today shows that 54 journalists still remain in prison in Turkey. 

The table of imprisoned journalists can be accessed here: www.osce.org/fom/116291

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.