Freedom of speech is under acute threat in Turkey. Since the attempted coup in July 2016, the Turkish government has been cracking down on journalists and media outlets critical of the government. This has exacerbated the already tense situation for the media in Turkey. Journalists' passports are being confiscated, and authors are being imprisoned. Over 130 media outlets have already been shut down, including 29 book publishers, which have also been expropriated.
Among journalists and publishers, fear and existential threats prevail. In Turkey, freedom of expression is being trampled underfoot. Freedom of speech is a human right and non-negotiable. Freedom of opinion, information, and the press are the foundation of a free and democratic society. We call on the German government and the EU Commission to take a clear stance on the situation in Turkey, to uncompromisingly and actively demand freedom of expression in their decisions, actions, and statements, and not to make it a subject of negotiation. When freedom of expression is attacked and severely restricted in Turkey and elsewhere in the world, the German government and the EU Commission must review their policies toward such countries. Furthermore, affected journalists and authors need swift assistance from Germany and Europe, for example, through the unbureaucratic issuance of emergency visas.
Journalists, authors, and publishers, books, newspapers, and magazines make a vital contribution to democracy and freedom. Therefore, we are firmly committed to freedom of expression, information, and the press. Support our petition and join us in standing up for these fundamental rights! For freedom of speech and freedom!
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