RSF and 18 international organizations urge EU to do more regarding press freedom in Turkey
19 International human rights and press freedom organisations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), are calling on the new European Commission and European Parliament to strengthen their commitment to protecting freedom of expression and journalists' rights in their relations with Türkiye. RSF and these partner organisations have drafted a concrete list of recommendations.
"For 30 years, RSF has supported press freedom in Turkey in all circumstances. Today, alongside international partner organizations, RSF is calling on the European Union (EU) institutions to commit to developing a clear and coherent strategy with the Turkish authorities, and to advancing democratic reforms in Turkey. Making it easier for journalists from Turkey to access visas would undoubtedly be a good start."
Recommendations:
- Simplify the procedure for Turkish journalists to obtain Schengen visas;
- Provide support, including direct financial grants, to media organisations in Türkiye;
- React strongly to incidents of attacks on journalists and take concrete measures to aid these journalists, including emergency support;
- Develop a clear, comprehensive and consistent relationship with Türkiye’s authorities in order to facilitate policy review and the repeal of legislation that is not compliant with international and European standards on the freedom of expression.
