Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) participated in an information session in Geneva ahead of Turkey’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations in May. During the meeting, MLSA emphasized that Turkey has experienced significant setbacks in free speech and digital rights over the past four years.
In a presentation delivered via video by MLSA General Coordinator Batıkan Erkoç, the organization stated that Turkey has failed to take necessary steps to protect free expression. Erkoç pointed to the country’s social media laws and its 2022 disinformation law as major factors contributing to this decline.
MLSA highlighted that in 2023 alone, more than 15,000 news articles were blocked in Turkey. Despite a ruling from the Constitutional Court, Criminal Judgeships of Peace have continued to issue access bans on various grounds. The presentation also called for the repeal of Turkey’s disinformation law and an end to measures such as the detention and imprisonment of journalists.
What is the Universal Periodic Review?
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a key human rights mechanism of the United Nations, designed to assess member states’ compliance with international human rights standards. Held every four years, the process allows countries to evaluate each other’s records. Civil society organizations contribute by submitting reports and participating in information sessions.
MLSA submits three reports for Turkey’s UPR
Ahead of Turkey’s UPR in May 2025, MLSA has submitted three separate reports. In collaboration with the UK-based Small Media Foundation, one report detailed findings on free speech and digital rights in Turkey. Another report focused on legal monitoring data, documenting violations of free expression in the country.
Additionally, MLSA co-signed a report by the Human Rights Defenders Solidarity Platform, which addressed human rights violations against activists in Turkey.
