OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey
VIENNA, 4 November 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomed today’s court decision in Turkey to release the journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak.
Today, the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court ruled to acquit Mehmet Altan due to a lack of evidence against him. Moreover, the court decided to sentence Ahmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak to 10 years and six months, and eight years and nine months in prison, respectively, for “aiding a terrorist group without being its member”. However, taking into account their time already spent in jail, both of them were released on probation.
“I welcome this long-awaited decision to release the Altan brothers and Nazlı Ilıcak from prison. I repeatedly called for their release, including during my official visit to Turkey in June this year. I hope that this ruling will trigger change when it comes to the situation of journalists in the country and the unjustified criminal prosecution faced by many of them,” said Désir.
Both Altan brothers and Nazlı Ilıcak had been handed aggravated life sentences in February 2018, which were reversed by the Court of Cassation in July this year.
“I call on the Turkish authorities to end the criminal prosecution of all journalists, and to ensure that they can work in a free environment. Punishing journalists not only deprives them of their right to freedom of expression but also encourages self-censorship,” said Désir.
Earlier statements by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media regarding Turkey can be found at www.osce.org/fom.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.