The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) unveiled its 2024 Justice Observation Program report, titled "Thought is a Crime, Detention is Punishment," at an event held at Istanbul’s Opera Hotel. The report, which provides a detailed analysis of freedom of expression trials in Turkey, highlights systematic violations of fair trial rights and the challenges faced by journalists, activists, and others targeted for their opinions.
A critical snapshot of Turkey's justice system
Opening the event, MLSA Co-Director Veysel Ok emphasized the significance of documenting judicial practices in Turkey. “Since 2018, we have been monitoring freedom of expression trials to capture a snapshot of the justice system in Turkey. These reports not only advocate for freedom of expression but also for the rule of law and fair trial rights,” he said.
Norway and Germany reiterate support for press freedom
Norwegian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Berit Tvete spoke about the global importance of protecting freedom of expression. “This fundamental right is not only a value we recognize but also an active principle we must safeguard. Weakening freedom of expression erodes the foundations of a fair and democratic society,” she said, affirming Norway’s commitment to supporting press freedom in Turkey and beyond.
Aret Demirci, Turkey Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, praised MLSA as a vital reference point for freedom of expression in Turkey. “Through MLSA, we hear about violations in the most remote corners of Turkey, and their reports serve as a barometer for the judiciary,” he stated.
Maria Ressa: "This is a critical time for journalists and their defenders"
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa sent a video message, warning about increasing threats to journalism. “Democracy cannot function without investigative journalists, especially in the wake of 2024 elections worldwide. This is a critical time for journalists and the lawyers defending them,” she said.
Key findings of the report
MLSA Case Monitoring Coordinator Semra Pelek presented the report, based on data from 281 trials observed between Sept. 1, 2023, and July 20, 2024. The report details widespread judicial harassment of journalists, activists, students, and politicians, as well as systemic violations of fair trial rights.
Panel discussion on judicial harassment
Following the presentation, MLSA Co-Director Evin Barış Altıntaş moderated a panel titled "Judicial Harassment Against Freedom of Expression in Turkey."
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Eren Keskin, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Association, highlighted the repression of dissenting views on sensitive topics like the Kurdish issue and the Armenian Genocide. “There is an entrenched official ideology that leaves no room for free expression. As a human rights advocate, I’ve faced 143 lawsuits, totaling 26 years and 8 months in prison sentences, along with fines of 800,000 Turkish lira,” she said.
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Tolga Şardan, a journalist with T24, discussed the increasing challenges under the current government. “Since the AKP came to power, there’s been a breaking point. The disinformation law is now being used to criminalize accurate reporting,” he stated.
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Gülsüm Kav, head of the We Will Stop Femicide Platform, underscored the importance of case monitoring. “We began tracking trials during the Münevver Karabulut case. Since then, we’ve observed 1,000 cases involving gender-based violence. We do this because the judiciary isn’t doing its job. If our association is shut down, we’ll find new ways to continue this fight,” she affirmed.
The panel concluded with a Q&A session, followed by the release of the report, which is available for download.
