A new Case of Restrictions on Freedom of Expression in Turkey

Turkey continues having problems in understanding and respecting European standards of human rights, including the importance of respecting the freedom of expression.

One of the latest examples is the decision by the Turkish Ministry of the Interior asking the State Council to dissolve the Sur Municipality of Diyarbakir and to dismiss the mayor, Abdullah Demirbas.

The basis for this decision by the Turkish government is that the Sur Municipality wanted to provide multi-lingual services to its citizens in view of the composition of the population (72 % Kurdish-speaking and 24 % Turkish-speaking). Sur Municipality wished to provide better services to its citizens, such as enabling people to have more easy access to different educational and cultural activities. It was made specifically clear that Turkish would continue to be the official language of the municipality. 

The European Union has always made it clear to Turkey that respect for minorities and the freedom of expression are among the fundamental requirements for membership. Turkey accepted to negotiate for membership on this basis. The present case is extremely disappointing to those who wish to see Turkey as an equal partner in the EU, with democratic institutions, human rights standards and practices aligned with European standards and values.  The EUTCC deplores this attack on the mayor of Sur Municipality, Abdullah Demirbas, who is known as a defender of human rights and cultural values in a multicultural society.

This is yet another demonstration that Turkey either does not understand the meaning of the European human rights standards, or that it does not wish or is unable to comply with those standards. It runs counter to the commitments made by Turkey to the EU and the core standards, laws and practices within the European Union, and its declared values of a multicultural Europe, with full respect for and protection of all ethnic groups.  

The EUTCC strongly urges:

1.         the Government of Turkey to stop this attack on the rights and freedoms of its citizens,

2.         the European Union to follow this case very closely, and insist that the Turkish authorities comply fully with European standards and conventions ratified by Turkey.

The EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) was established in 2004 by:

Rafto Foundation (Norway)

Kurdish Human Rights Project (United Kingdom)

Medico International (Germany)

Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (United Kingdom).

The EUTCC wishes to contribute to the progress of Turkish membership of the EU. It will do this by spreading accurate, objective information both in Turkey and Europe about the progress made by Turkey, but also about any shortcomings which may still persist. The EUTCC will have as one of its most important tasks to monitor Turkish compliance with the EU accession criteria. It organizes every year a conference in Brussels on “The EU, Turkey and the Kurds”. The EUTCC is registered in Belgium as a non-profit organization.

Further information may be provided by:

Kariane Westrheim                                            Jon Rud

Chairperson                                                       Secretary General

Menneskerettighetenes Plass 1                        Sierra Altea, Buzon 138

5007 Bergen                                                      03599 Altea la Vella

Norway                                                              Spain

Tel.: + 47.55588797                                           Tel: +34.965846645

Mobile: + 47.97642088                                        Mobile: + 34.666360148

Fax: + 47.55210959                                            Fax: +34.965847078

Email: kariane.westrheim@iuh.uib.no               Email: jonrud@terra.es