Following protests held in 10 cities across Turkey on Saturday, October 24, demanding press freedom, former Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç made a statement regarding the working conditions of journalists and press freedom.
Recalling that he was previously responsible for relations with media organizations, Arınç stated that during his tenure, they sought to interpret press freedom broadly.
Addressing the judicial processes against journalists, Arınç criticized the fact that journalist İsmail Saymaz is unable to leave his home due to judicial control conditions. In his assessment regarding Saymaz's ability to participate in television broadcasts from his home, Arınç described the situation as "tragic" and "comical."
Arınç noted that there is a need for accurate and honest reporting from journalists, whether they support the government or hold opposition views, and stated that restricting citizens' right to access information is unacceptable. Referring to the words of AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at his party's group meeting, "How happy it is that we have a base that asks, questions, and criticizes," Arınç expressed that journalists' criticisms and reports should be met with understanding.
The full text of Bülent Arınç's statement is as follows:
"Between 2009 and 2016, in addition to serving as Deputy Prime Minister for five years, I was also responsible for relations with all media. TRT, the Anadolu Agency, the Directorate General of Press and Information, RTÜK, and related institutions were all under my purview. I established honest relationships with them within the framework of principles. The Press Law enacted during the term of my predecessor, State Minister Prof. Dr. Beşir Atalay, was perfect in every respect. I also tried to act in accordance with the justifications of that law.
On the other hand, many articles of the RTÜK Law, which was enacted in 1994, had been annulled by the Constitutional Court, and the law had practically lost its integrity. Together with all stakeholders, we created an exemplary RTÜK law in 2012.
We allowed members of the press and journalists to exercise the press freedom granted by the Constitution in its broadest interpretation. We welcomed their reports with appreciation. Press freedom must be fundamental; because it is directly related to freedom of expression. In the first years we took office, we took freedom of expression and the understanding of journalism to the highest level in line with EU standards, and we made very broad interpretations on this subject.
What is essential here is to adopt a libertarian approach in criminal laws. In this libertarian approach, it is necessary not to ignore the difference between criticism and insult, and the accuracy, honesty, and ethical understanding in news.
There was a development that caught my attention at that time. Some media institutions abroad sent us a list and asked why 5 or 6 journalists were imprisoned. There was no such situation in my records. I told my colleagues, 'Investigate this matter.' The list that came before us relieved me; because the people whose names were on this list had no other feature than carrying a press card from a newspaper or news agency. These were mostly people who had received journalist identity cards from newspapers or news websites linked to the terrorist organizations of that time, and they were convicted or detained for common crimes such as bank robbery or extortion.
When we conveyed these to the institutions abroad, they were very pleased with this explanation; they congratulated and appreciated us. Now let's come to the present day from here.
When journalists and scientists also began to be tried during the Ergenekon process, I specifically stood up for Nedim Şener and Mustafa Balbay, whom I knew as journalists. I said they should not be accused in any way. Similarly, I stood up for Mr. Mehmet Haberal, a valuable scientist who had been inside for four years, at every stage of this process. This justified behavior of ours found a response, albeit late, and they were all acquitted.
Now I want to say this: Recently, they connected to Mr. İsmail Saymaz on a news channel. Mr. Saymaz was expressing his thoughts on some issues from his home. This image is tragic: İsmail Saymaz, who has been an objective writer and journalist with his ideas for years, cannot leave his home due to judicial control conditions. Some of his friends are unfortunately in prison. This image is also comical; Mr. Saymaz cannot leave his home because of the shackle attached to his feet, but fortunately, his mouth is not taped, he can connect to television and speak, and he can send his articles to his newspaper. In this state, it is like the tomb of Nasreddin Hodja; all four sides are open, but there is a big lock on the door. This situation truly saddens and embarrasses me.
Beyond that, journalists should be free while performing their duties, and the press should be completely free. Whether they support the government or are in opposition, as a society, we need the accurate and honest reporting of journalists from every viewpoint. Restricting citizens' right to access information with such practices is absolutely unacceptable and not right.
Our President ended his speech at our party's group meeting the other day with the sentence, 'How happy it is that we have a base that asks, questions, and criticizes.' With this perspective in mind, we must also meet the criticisms, research, and reports of journalists with understanding."
News Source: 12punto
