Reporters Without Borders Mr. Erdogan, we hold you responsible for the security of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül

March 3, 2016 By administrator

arton122832-480x266 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) held Wednesday morning in Istanbul Can Dündar the first press conference, managing editor of Cumhuriyet, since his release from Silivri prison Friday, February 26 after ninety-two days of detention.

Facing an audience of journalists gathered on Wednesday, March 2 at the Elite Wold Istanbul hotel in the Reporters Without Borders initiative, Can Dündar denounced the “climate of fear propagated by the Erdogan regime among journalists.” “But we’re journalists, not civil servants in state service. Our duty is to inform the public, including the illegal acts of the government. Upon first hearing of this case on 25 March, we will outline in full light the state’s crimes. We will not defend us, we will make the trial of state crimes. “He recalled on Wednesday to a packed house.

Turkey: Reporters Without Borders slams ‘censorship’ on Mosul kidnappings over coverage ban

June 19, 2014 By administrator

Shiite volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) who have taken over Mosul and other northern provinces, sit with their weapons in Baghdad, June 18, 2014. REUTERS Photo

Reporters Without Borders has denounced the Turkish government’s management of the crisis in Iraq, slamming the “censorship” on the coverage of the kidnapping of 80 Turkish citizens near Mosul by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants.

The media freedom nongovernmental organization described the Turkish heavy penal court’s June 16 ruling ordering a ban on reports related to the kidnapping of 49 staff members of Mosul consulate and 31 truck drivers “out of all proportion” and an attempt to suppress criticism.

“This blatant act of censorship violates the Turkish public’s right to be informed about a subject of general interest,” said Johann Bihr, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.

“Even if the government is rightly concerned for the safety of the hostages, its policies in Syria are the subject of public debate. Trying to suppress criticism instead of facing up to its responsibilities is unacceptable. We call on the courts to immediately lift this ban, which is out of all proportion,” he added.

The ruling was delivered to media outlets by Turkey’s Supreme Board of Radio and Television on June 17. Failure to comply with the ban could lead to cash fines and the suspension of broadcasts or publication.

Ankara has resorted to similar bans in the past as well. Last February, a ban was imposed on the publication of reports related to the search of two trucks containing weapons, which belonged to Turkish intelligence and were bound for Syria. The coverage of the deadly attack in the town of Reyhanlı on May 11, 2013 that killed 53 people was also banned by a court order.

June/19/2014

Armenia is regional leader by press freedom index

January 30, 2013 By administrator

18:43, 30 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS: “Reporters without borders” organization has published 2013 world press freedom index according to which Armenia has improved its positions. As reports Armenpress, referring to official web site of “Reporters without borders” organization, in accordance with data, Armenian is 74th from 179 countries by its press freedom index.

With its index Armenia is the leading country in the region. Turkey is on 154th place, Azerbaijan is 156th and Georgia concluded top 100.

“Reporters without borders” organization mainly noted in its message “After the “Arab springs” and other protest movements that prompted many rises and falls in last year’s index, the 2013 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index marks a return to a more usual configuration. The ranking of most countries is no longer attributable to dramatic political developments. This year’s index is a better reflection of the attitudes and intentions of governments towards media freedom in the medium or long term. Azerbaijan fell last year after using violence to suppress opposition demonstrations and this year they just moved back towards their appalling former positions.