Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Criticized Turkey for Worrisome Level of Freedom of Expression
Turkish authorities must "change course" and reverse violations of media freedoms and the rule of law, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks said, Hurriyet reports.
In a 25-page report based on his two visits to the country last year, Muižnieks said Turkey’s already worrisome levels of media freedom and freedom of expression in recent years had reached "seriously alarming" levels since the government declared a state of emergency after a failed coup attempt in July 2016.
"The authorities should urgently change course by overhauling criminal legislation and practice, re-develop judicial independence and reaffirm their commitment to protect free speech," the report said.
The commissioner also expressed concerns over constitutional amendments that will be voted on in a referendum on April 16, saying they "foresee a significant further diminution of the autonomy of the Turkish judiciary vis-à-vis the executive and legislative branches."
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