February 26, 2009

WAPC SAYS GOVERNMENT TAX FINE AGAINST

TURKISH MEDIA GROUP HAS CHILLING EFFECT ON FREE PRESS

The WAPC joins the International Press Institute and other international bodies in questioning the imposition of a $490 million dollar fine against the Doğan Media Group.

The fine was levied on February 17 for what was described as an overdue payment of taxes on the sale of some Doğan Media Group Assets. The Doğan Company denies wrongdoing and is appealing the order, but resolution in court could take years.

Meanwhile, the business of the media group is severely hampered.

A fine of this magnitude, coming at the same time as Prime Minister Erdoğan’s  use of his office to publically castigate the media outlet, must be seen as an attempt to stifle the media.

WAPC Secretary General, Chris Conybeare says: “A full and transparent hearing of this matter and a speedy resolution is of paramount importance. Justice delayed is justice denied, and freedom of communication hangs in the balance.”

The WAPC is concerned because the use of excessive fines and penalties often is used by government to silence critics. The people of Turkey are entitled to diversity of opinion. Public criticism of government may serve to illuminate issues of public concern.

The WAPC is an international association of press and media councils from: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Northern Cyprus, Swaziland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, USA, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The WAPC is dedicated to promoting high standards of journalistic ethics and the basic right of all persons to communicate freely.

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Article 19 of the Universal Declaration

of Human Rights:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and

ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.