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The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) will present its 2024 Journalism and Freedom of Expression Cases Monitoring Report on Nov. 22. The report is based on data from 281 cases and 614 hearings monitored between Sept. 1, 2023, and July 20, 2024, as part of Turkey's most extensive court monitoring program.
The event will feature a keynote address by Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa, who will discuss “Judicial harassment against journalism worldwide.”
Report highlights
MLSA’s report meticulously documents the systematic violations faced by journalists, activists, politicians, and students in trials related to press and expression freedoms. The findings reveal frequent breaches of fair trial principles, with many cases stemming from criticism of state officials or participation in social movements.
The report underscores ongoing pressures, particularly through anti-terrorism laws and defamation charges, illustrating how judicial processes are used to suppress dissent. Violations of the right to a fair trial were identified as key factors affecting case outcomes.
Event details and agenda
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Keynote speech:
Maria Ressa, renowned journalist and Nobel laureate, will open the event with her speech titled “Judicial harassment against journalism worldwide.” -
Panel discussion:
Following the report presentation, a panel titled “Judicial harassment against freedom of expression in Turkey” will be moderated by MLSA Co-Director Evin Barış Altıntaş. Panelists include:- Eren Keskin, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Association
- Gülsüm Kav, General Representative of the We Will Stop Femicide Platform
- Tolga Şardan, journalist and columnist for T24
The panel will explore the impact of judicial pressure on minorities, women’s movements, and the media in Turkey.
How to participate
The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 22, at 5:30 p.m. It will be live-streamed on MLSA TV's YouTube and Twitter accounts.
