The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) informed the CoE Committee of Ministers about the execution of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings concerning the Oya Ataman case and Freedom of Expression case groups. This briefing occurred during a meeting organized by the European Implementation Network (EIN) on Feb. 27.
MLSA Trial Monitoring Coordinator Murat Kök, attending the meeting at EIN's invitation, focused on Turkey's violations of peaceful assembly and association rights. The situation of the Oya Ataman Group, dealing with police violence in this context, was highlighted. Attorney Beril Önder pointed out that ECHR rulings have been unimplemented for 16 years, with Turkey evading its responsibilities through legal amendments. Kök shared data from 39 cases monitored under the MLSA's litigation tracking report, presenting examples of discriminatory practices against LGBTI+ individuals, prohibitions faced by the Saturday Mothers/People, and instances of police violence. Recommendations and requests included in notifications made by MLSA and 33 NGOs to the Oya Ataman Group were also shared with the delegates.
Kök further discussed the misuse of Articles 299 and 301 of the Turkish Penal Code for political purposes, mentioning the penalization of Prof. Dr. Şebnem Korur Fincancı and at least 10 journalists for their professional activities. He highlighted that in the past nine months, 26 journalists were arrested for their professional work, including 16 journalists detained in Diyarbakır on June 16, 2022, who are still awaiting indictment.
The Committee of Ministers will assess the implementation of ECHR decisions in the reported case groups at the 1459th Human Rights Meeting scheduled for March 7-9.
