Özgür Özel's statement on the 'Censorship Law': 'If the Constitutional Court does not take this step, what was done to Şardan will be done to everyone!'
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made a statement during a protest in front of the Constitutional Court, where press professional organizations were demanding the repeal of the Censorship Law. He stated, "Journalist Tolga Şardan was arrested because of this law. If the Constitutional Court does not take a step toward repealing this law today, what was done to Şardan will be done to everyone."
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The Constitutional Court (AYM) will discuss the Censorship Law today upon the application of the Republican People's Party (CHP). Press professional organizations, including the Press Council, the Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD), the Journalists' Association, TGS, and Haber-Sen, have begun a vigil in front of the Constitutional Court for the repeal of the article in question, which leads to the arbitrary accusation of journalists.
"WE EXPECT THEM TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE NEWS"
While the journalists' vigil continued, CHP leader Özgür Özel also made statements in front of the Constitutional Court.
"You are voicing a very important outcry. We are here to support you and to state that we are in solidarity with you. We are reminding the Constitutional Court of its historical responsibility. Tolga Şardan is a journalist who was arrested because of this article.
If the Constitutional Court does not take a step toward repealing this law today, what was done to Şardan will be done to everyone. We went through an election. They labeled the CHP as collaborating with a terrorist organization, yet no action was taken. There is no need to say anything about the decision the Constitutional Court will make. We expect them to protect the public's right to receive news.
"THE NORMAL DECISION IS A REPEAL DECISION"
The Constitutional Court needs to prioritize issues that concern the entire society much faster and take action. We are also ready to provide support. Şardan could still be in prison. If this meeting had been held last month, the pressures on journalists would not have occurred. I hope they will make the most correct decision. I believe that the members of the Constitutional Court will decide with their consciences.
I do not think it is the time to discuss the possibility of not repealing it. They would be casting a dark stain on Turkey. In a country where journalists are arrested, neither foreign capital comes nor does the confidence index rise. If it is not repealed, we will take this onto our agenda as an extraordinary issue. The normal decision is a repeal decision."