VIENNA, 13 September 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his relief after the sentences of seven former Cumhuriyet journalists were reversed in Turkey yesterday.

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PRESS RELEASE

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of seven former Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey

“I am relieved by this court decision to revoke the sentences of the former Cumhuriyet journalists, and I welcome their release yesterday,” stated Désir. “I have long campaigned for their release in my discussions with the Turkish authorities, including during my last visit to Turkey in June this year.”

The Supreme Court of Appeals overturned yesterday the sentences of journalists Musa Kart, Güray Öz, Hakan Kara, Önder Çelik, and Mustafa Kemal Güngör who were then released yesterday. They had previously been re-sent to prison in April this year. Moreover, journalist Kadri Gürsel and lawyer Bülent Utku, who had previously been released, also had their sentences reversed. However, according to reports, former Cumhuriyet accountant Emre İper will remain in jail.

“I repeat my call on the authorities to release all other journalists and media workers imprisoned for their work, including Emre İper,” said Désir. He added that “journalism is not a crime and should not be treated as such. I hope that this momentum will be used to restore a vibrant and pluralistic media landscape in the country.”

The Representative’s previous statements on this issue are available here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/418313; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411830; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/378883; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/375619; https://www.osce.org/fom/219021

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.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/429932

Contacts:

Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
Wallnerstrasse 6
1010 Vienna
Austria
Office: +43 1 514 36 6800
Fax: +43 1 514 36 6802
[email protected]

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