Today the Commissioner published his written observations submitted to the European Court of Human Rights concerning a group of twelve applications concerning the freedom of expression and right to liberty and security of parliamentarians in Turkey.
Based on two visits carried out to Turkey in April and September 2016, his ensuing Memorandum on Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom and on his continuous monitoring work on this country, the Commissioner highlights the overly broad interpretation of the concepts of terrorist propaganda and support for a terrorist organisation - including to people or statements that clearly do not incite violence. The Commissioner also details his concerns regarding judicial independence and impartiality in the country. “The recent detention and prosecution of opposition parliamentarians must be seen as part of a broader pattern of repression against those expressing dissent or criticism of the authorities - particularly of official policy on issues related to the situation in South-Eastern Turkey”, the Commissioner concludes.
Third party interventions represent an additional tool at the Commissioner’s disposal to help promote and protect human rights. They are foreseen by the European Convention on Human Rights and are based on the Commissioner’s country and thematic activities.