Home / World / EU Asks for Turkey's Respect for Media Freedom

EU Asks for Turkey's Respect for Media Freedom

“The EU has repeatedly stressed that Turkey, as (an EU) candidate country, needs to respect and promote high democratic standards and practices, including freedom of the media,” the EU's diplomatic service said in a statement on Saturday.

On Friday afternoon, police forces clashed with demonstrators in a bid to smash their way into the office building and enforce a ruling handed down earlier in the day by the Istanbul Sixth Criminal Court of Peace ordering the management of the newspaper and its editorial board to be replaced by the board of trustees assigned by the court.

The court decision came at the request of the Istanbul prosecutor and sparked angry protests in front of the newspaper's office.

“Free, diverse and independent media constitute one of the cornerstones of a democratic society by facilitating the free flow of information and ideas, and by ensuring transparency and accountability,” the EU statement said.

“Any country, and in particular those negotiating EU accession, needs to guarantee fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, and due judicial process, in line with the European Convention on Human Rights,” it added.

Turkey has been seeking to gain accession to the 28-member European bloc since 2005.

Zaman, Turkey’s top-selling newspaper, is known for its staunch opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The daily is also said to have close connection with US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, an outspoken opponent of Erdogan and his policies.

Erdogan has accused Gulen and his followers of plotting to overthrow the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), a charge that Gulen denies.

solhkhabar

Tasnim News Agency - world

Check Also

Israeli Air Raids Wound 4 in Gaza

The Israeli army asserted that a major target of the strikes was suspected infiltration tunnels …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *