OSCE concerned about jailed journalists in Turkey

VIENNA – Hürriyet Daily News

The number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey is worrisome and demands the immediate attention and swift action of the authorities, Dunja Mijatović, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE’s) representative on freedom of the media said yesterday, following an update announcement on the number of journalists currently in Turkish prisons.

“The sheer number of imprisoned journalists raises fundamental questions about the law and policy on journalism and free expression in Turkey. I am concerned that the threat of imprisonment will lead to further widespread self-censorship,” Mijatović said.

Ninety-five journalists are in prison today, up from 57 a year ago, according to the OSCE study, which is an update of a similar analysis published last year.

Mijatović said she recognizes the legitimate right of governments to fight terrorism and protect national security and their citizens. “However, objective reporting about all issues, including sensitive topics such as terrorism, is a fundamental part of democratic societies, and journalists play an indispensable role by providing information to the public.”

You can view the full list of Turkey's jailed journalists here.