Vienna, 23/09/2014
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), is very concerned at the growing number of both media freedom and human rights violations in Turkey.
On 23 September, journalist Erol Özkoray got a suspended sentence of 11 months and 20 days in prison for using banners, graffitti and slogans made during Gezi protests in his book „Individualization and Democracy: The Gezi Phenomenon“.
Özkoray was accused of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the book about last year’s massive anti-government protests. The execution of the sentence has been postponed for five years by the court.
„SEEMO members are appaled at the repetitive practice of Turkish authorities to chastise writers and journalists who’s work dissatisfies them“ Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said. „This repressive practice is creating a completely undemocratic atmosphere in Turkey, and I am calling on Turkish officials and international human rights organisations to help put a stop on these violations immediately.“