Vienna, 27/08/2016
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed concern after a recent broadcast ban in Turkey.
On26 August, an attack was launched by the PKK in the Sirnak district of Cizre, a town on the border of Turkey and Syria. A vehicle containing explosives detonated, killing three civilians, 11 police officers, and injuring over 70 others. Following the attack, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) announced a temporary broadcast ban for all news outlets regarding the explosion, claiming that this is a case with high risk of public disorder and posed a risk to national security.
‘Broadcast bans have become a common occurrence in Turkey after attacks’ said SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic. ‘In times of crisis, people rely more heavily than ever on balanced and up to date coverage of ongoing events. Receiving clear information during difficult situations is essential. We call on authorities in Turkey and especially the RTUK, to revoke the broadcast ban immediately, and to avoid using this method of censorship again’, Vujovic added.
SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.