Activity Details (ID# 4610)

Activity Synopsis

The objectives of the Seminar were:
- to present and discuss with the participants the draft Press Law prepared by the Government;
- to provide information and training on the European standards regarding freedom of expression and freedom of the press;- to provide information and training on self-regulation, media accountability systems and press ethics.
 

The Seminar was opened by State Minister Besir Atalay who insisted on the willingness of the public authorities to draft a liberal and modern Press Law after consultation with all parties concerned by the reform. He also annouced that a draft Broadcasting Law was under preparation.


The draft Press Law was discussed during session two. A legal counsellor of the Directorate General of Press and Information presented the new draft and the Council of Europe expert commented on it. Among the main modifications of the draft, it can be noted that:
- fines are reduced;
- fines can not be altered into jailed sentences;
- the right of journalists not to disclose their sources of information is recognised (journalists cannot be forced to testify before a tribunal);
- a right of reply is provided;
- Turkish citizenship is no longer necessary for the responsible editor, only residence is required.

The Council of Europe expert noted that several observations made by the Council of Europe experts in the expertise of May 2002 had been taken into account, but indicated that nevertheless some shortcomings remained, in particular regarding the issue of the protection of sources.

Questions were raised, in particular concerning the responsabilities of journalists.

During the first session, the Council of Europe expert gave a presentation of the most important standards regarding freedom of expression that can be drawn from the case law of the European Court of Human Right. The third session was dedicated to self-regulation, media accountability.

These two sessions gave rise to interesting debates regarding journalists precarious working conditions, which to some extent prevent them from organising themselves and taking into due account their responsabilities. Several participants stated that the statute of journalist should be redefined.

 

The Seminar was an additional opportunity to discuss the draft Law with the parties concerned. The discussions during the Seminar were, in general, very open.

The draft Press Law will be forwarded to the Gran National Assembly before the end of 2003. Obviously, the success of the reform depends on its proper implementation, but also on accompanying and training measures, given the difficulties expressed by journalists during the Seminar.

 

Members of associations or unions of journalists, journalists of news agencies, newspapers and TV journalists, academics.

 

Dirk Voorhoof, Professor, University of Gent, Belgium
Claude-Jean Bertrand, Professor Emeritus, University of Paris II, France

 

Mr Hanno Hartig, Head of Department for Media, Equality and Minorities, Directorate General of Human Rights
Ms Charlotte de Broutelles, Media Division, Directorate General of Human Rights