Press Organisations Reject ‘Reactionary’ Media Law Amendment

In a joint statement, the organisations said they had opposed from the outset the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Law and Cybercrime Law currently before a parliamentary committee.

They argued that Article 23B in particular would place journalistic activity under the threat of criminal punishment and constitutes a clear intervention against freedom of thought and expression.

“Handcuffs On Journalism”

The press organisations said the proposed regulation would effectively place journalism under the threat of imprisonment.

“This article restricts press freedom and places handcuffs on the journalism profession,” the statement said.

Following President Tufan Erhürman’s decision to return the legislation to parliament, the organisations renewed their call on the government to remove Article 23B entirely from the bill.

They also warned that if the legislation is resubmitted to the presidency unchanged, they would pursue all democratic and legal means of opposition.

“Ethics Cannot Be Regulated Through Criminal Law”

The statement reiterated that ethical violations arising during journalistic activity should not be regulated through criminal legislation.

The organisations said they had already informed relevant parties that they would not negotiate over any regulation containing criminal sanctions against journalists.

At the same time, they acknowledged concerns over digital lynching, uncontrolled exposure practices on social media and publications that target individuals. However, they stressed that such issues should not be treated as matters falling directly within the responsibility of journalism itself.

Call For “Right To Be Forgotten”

The organisations and the Media Ethics Board also said they oppose the publication of suspects’ names and photographs in court reporting unless there is an overriding public interest.

They pledged to intensify efforts against ethical violations in the media sector and to strengthen the institutional structure of the Media Ethics Board.

The statement further called for the legal recognition of the “Right To Be Forgotten,” arguing that the indefinite online accessibility of personal data belonging to convicted individuals creates serious human rights concerns.

The groups said they would begin joint work with human rights organisations on the issue.

They also demanded the reintroduction into the legislation of provisions — reportedly removed during committee discussions — concerning improved conditions in police detention cells and regulations on the use of handcuffs during the transfer of detainees.