In the 13-page report, which covers the period January-February-March 2004, the rights violations are tackled with under the titles of: "attacks and threats," "trials and attempts," "European Court of Human Rights," "RTUK implementations," "regulations and "seeking judgment," and "censorship and monopolization."
Attacks and threats
Hakim Cetiner, the cameraman of "SKY Turk" and "Show TV," "Show TV" reporter Saban Boz, reporters Besir Ariz, Faysal Karadeniz, Ahmet Bulut, and Bayram Bulut of the local "Soz" (Word) newspaper and "Soz TV" (You TV) cameraman Mehmet Sirin Hatman and reporter Bahire Karatas of the Dicle news agency (DIHA), and reporter Firat Duzgun of the local "Gun TV" (Day TV) were attacked by people who were allegedly civilian police.
Hatman, Boz and Karatas, who had broken arms were treated in the hospital. Diyarbakir police chief Orhan Okur visited the reporters in the hospital and said the incident had become a matter of honor for them and promised to find those responsible.
A group of five to ten people from the "Federation to Fight against Baseless Allegations of the Armenian Genocide," gathered in front of the Armenian "Agos" newspaper on March 8.
The group chanted Turkey's national anthem and left a black wreath in front of the building. Police called the newspaper before this demonstration by the nationalists and gave assurance.
On February 26, a group of 30-40 people from the Ulku Ocaklari (a radical nationalist group), gathered in front of the weekly "Agos" newspaper, which publishes in both Armenian and Turkish. The group chanted slogans that were threats to the newspaper and its head Hirant Dink.
"I will not pursue legal action," said Dink. "Everything happened in front of the eyes of the state. The state knows very well what is a crime and what is not."
Ahmet Cakar, ex-referee and a football commentator on "Star TV," was shot and wounded as he was getting into his car in front of the health center in Mecidiyekoy in Istanbul, on February 25. "I am not suspicious of anyone," said Cakar. "Some people or someone may have done this because they were angry at my comments. I condemn them all."
Detention and arrests
Journalist Sinan Kara served 146 days in prison for threatening, through the media, the security guards of Mert Ciller, the son of former Prime Minister Tansu Ciller.
Kara was released from the Urla prison on March 21. According to Macit Sefiloglu, head of the Aegean branch of the Contemporary Journalists' Association (CGD), five more cases were brought against Kara while he was in prison. "Cases against Kara are proof that media in Turkey is under threat," said Sefiloglu. "Especially the local media is under tremendous pressure."
Nureddin Sirin, a writer for the weekly "Selam" newspaper is serving at the Kandira F-type prison. His application to take advantage of the amnesty law no: 4959, was handled by the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) on March 19.
The court is awaiting a report from the Interior Ministry. Sirin has been sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison for being a member of the Hezbollah group. Media cases against Sirin are ongoing. Sirin had applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Dogan Dogan, head of the "Korfezin Sesi" (Voice of the Gulf) Internet site published in Edremit, was detained on January 6 because of an article published in a column, and with the demand of the Republic prosecutor. On the complaint by Edremit local administrator Ekrem Buyukata, journalist Dogan answered questions by the prosecutor about writer Salih Gunardi, who wrote the article titled, "We told the chief and the worker."
The journalist was released after six hours. The article criticized pressuring people through the use of influence and attempting to take the coal the state distributed to poor people. It also said that there were people who helped illegal migrants to escape. The journalist's complaint about being detained was abated and so, he took his case to a Bergama court.
DIHA reporter Ubeydullah Hakan's camera was seized as he was recording the protest against the killing of Cetin Karaman by soldiers.
After he made a complaint, he was sued for being a "runaway activist." A court continued to try him on March 10. The police do not accept that Hakan was detained.
But the images in expert files show that Hakan was taken into a police car. The court, which is awaiting an expert report about the weapon, postponed the trial till April 30.
Lawyer Murat Timur said they were expecting Hakan's camera to be returned. Timur also said legal action should begin against police officers who roughed him up. If there were no positive outcome, they would go to the ECHR, said Timur.
Muharrem Cengiz, the owner of the monthly "Kultur Sanat Yasaminda Tavir" (Attitude in the World of Culture and Art) magazine was arrested on March 5. He was told there were allegations against him. His objection to the arrest was rejected. He is currently at the Tekirdag F-type prison and is waiting to be brought to the Istanbul DGM.
On March 4, "NTV" reporter Hilmi Hacaloglu was detained as he was recording a person being roughed up by police as he was watching the press statements by the members of the Revolutionary Workers' Unions' Confederation (DISK) in the Taksim Square. Police said "Hacaloglu was not destined but was received as a guest."
Police officers from the Beyoglu police headquarters beat Hacaloglu up. According to a report by the Forensic Medical Institution, there was "lesion on Hacaloglu's hand, his left heel was bruised, and his right elbow was crushed." Interrogation about the police officers is still continuing.
Journalist Mustafa Benli , who was released a year ago because of health reasons, was sent back to the Corum Prison on February 18 after the Forensic Medical Institution wrote in a report that he had "recovered."
Benli, former editor-in-chief of the "Hedef" (Target) magazine, who had been sent to prison on February 1998, was diagnosed with the "Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome" after he had been on a death fast. Press cases against Benli had been suspended after a December 2000 Conditional Amnesty Law. Lawyer Hasan Erdogan applied to the ECHR on October 24, 2000.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan walked up to Nuri Sefa Erdem, reporter for the daily "Vatan," who asked him a question on New Year's Eve. "Don't be shameless!" Erdogan told reporter Erdem. Contemporary Journalists' Association, Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC) and the Media Council protested the Prime Minister's behavior.
Trials and attempts
Three distributors of the closed-down "Yeniden Ozgur Gundem" (Free Agenda Again) newspaper, and three DIHA reporters were detained at the Basmane office of the newspaper. The distributors and reporters are standing trial based on the anti-terrorism law (TMY).
The trial began on March 31. Lawyers Mustafa Rollas and Hayat Ozveren said the defendants had a copy of a banned publication at their houses and the telephone numbers for the Medya TV (Media TV) at the office. The trial is being held at the Izmir State Security Court (DGM).
312 generals brought a damages case against the "Vakit" (Time) newspaper. An Ankara court continued with the trial on March 31. Lawyers of the defendants aid the article titled, "The country, where those who do not have the capacity to become even a noncommissioned officer, become generals," was written by the former editor-in-chief Mehmet Ozmen.
Lawyer Atilla Metin attended the hearing on allegations that RTUK member Mehmet Dogan wrote the article. Metin said Dogan could not be tried in this case. Plaintiff lawyer Yazicioglu said telecommunications records proved that the article was written by Dogan. The trial was postponed so that the lawyers could document a fax message in which Ozmen sent the article.
An Ankara court voted to stop the effect of the decision to put "Ozgur Radyo" (Free Radio) off the air for 30 days because of the news about "An attack like a massacre," published in the "Gunluk Evrensel" (Daily Universal) newspaper. RTUK had given until March 30 for its decision to be implemented. The court decided this period was not enough for it to make a decision. The court said that this would lead to irreparable damage.
Four cases brought against "Gun FM" (Day FM) and "Gun TV" (Day TV) in Diyarbakir for playing "banned songs," were dropped. On March 11, a Diyarbakir court cited amendments to the Cinema, Video and Music Law no:3257 through the 6th and 7th harmonization laws.
The court added that the provision which states: "It is necessary that the decision of a 'ban' by the chief civilian administrator, is sent to the judge or prosecutor of the police penal court for approval within 24 hours," had been included in the law through the amendments. The songs that were allegedly banned were "Vay Beni Vaylar Beni," and "Bir Kanardag Turkusu," (A Kanardag Song) by Ferhat Tunc, and "Cav Bella" (Ciao Bella) by Sevinc Eratalay.
Caricatures by Seyit Saatci and Askin Ayrancioglu were confiscated three years ago at an exhibition at the Boyabat Public Library. The caricaturists, who were kept under detention for one night, were released on March 11.
The caricaturists were sued for "insulting the police forces." The expert said: "The defendants, with the caricatures they drew, attempted to criticize 'fascism,' and the 'fascist implementations,' they believe are taking place in our country.
All implementations of police are open to criticism by the public. (...) If we attempted to fit every evaluation into the provision of article 159 of TCK, we would be limiting our people's most basic right of 'freedom of expression,' despite the very clear provision on the Constitution and the European Human Rights Convention."
Muharrem Nas, the owner and editor-in-chief of the "Ozgur Siirt" (Free Siirt) newspaper was fined 15 billion 906 million Turkish lira (USD 11,600) for "not publishing in time a correction by the governor's office."
At the hearing on March 4, the fine was raised to 23 billion 850 million Turkish lira (USD 17,500). A penal court suspended the fine, ruling "he would not commit the crime in the future." Nas argues that the court did not take into account the edition in which the correction was published and said he would appeal the case.
A court decision to sentence Sabri Ejder Ozic to a year in prison could not be delivered to the journalist because the court had no money for stamps. This incident also appears in the Human Rights Report by the U.S. State Department. Lawyer Meric Tumer appealed the case after two months.
Ozic was convicted for "insulting the intangible individuality of the parliament," because on February 24, 2003, on "Radyo Dunya" (Radio World) of Adana, he said: "If this parliament is going to decide to send troops to a terrorist action and to let in foreign troops, then this parliament is terrorist."
"Yeniden Ozgur Gundem" newspaper, which was first published on September 2002, was closed down on February 28. During the 545 days the newspaper was published, it was closed down for four days; its editor-in-chief Mehmet Colak was sentenced to 25 months in prison; and Colak and an official, Ali Celik Kasimogullari, were fined 478 billion Turkish lira (USD 350,000). A total of 315 cases were brought against the newspaper.
On February 28, an Ankara court stopped the implementation of a warning handed to "ATV" after a news story about Omer Ipek, who sings Kurdish songs, and who is known as "Tarkan from Mardin." Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul sent a letter to RTUK on February 25 saying that this warning put Turkey in a difficult position. He also asked the radio and television watchdog for an explanation of the process.
Ruhat Mengi, a writer for the daily "Vatan" (Homeland), on February 25, had criticized that the draft Turkish Penal Code (TCK) reduced the sentences for rapes and honor crimes.
Mengi was fined 40 billion Turkish lira (USD 30,000) in damages to Distinguished Professor Sulhi Donmezer for her articles called, "Not a draft, a scandal," and "Crimes against honor traditions." After the court decision, Mengi said: "This case is not a money gaining or losing case. This case is a case to serve the society and the future of my country. That's why I don't see it as a lost case. It will be obvious who has won and who has lost when the TCK is changed to fit a modern country."
Associate Professor Doctor Haluk Gerger was not granted the permission to enter the United States of America although he had a visa. In the case Gerger brought against the U.S., the court on February 24, listened to his wife Rennan Gerger as a witness. The court is currently awaiting a response from the U.S. Embassy and the completion of other insufficiencies.
Gerger, who got a visa from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, went to New York on October 1, 2002 with his wife, but was not allowed into the country, because "his visa had been cancelled by the Foreign Ministry." After his fingerprints and photographs were taken, Gerger was sent back to Turkey. The journalist is demanding 2 billion 739 million 805 thousand Turkish lira (USD 2,000) in financial compensation and USD 1 cent in damages.
On February 24, Mehmet Sucu, a top editor at the "Cumhuriyet" (Republic) newspaper, was acquitted. Sucu was standing trial for publishing circulars by the Foreign Minister to establish contact with the "Milli Gorus" (National Idea) and Fethullah Gulen congregations. Lawyer Akin Atalay said the circular was published by other newspapers too and it did not amount to a state secret.
On February 24, an Izmir court continued to try Kemal Mutlu and Ali Ekber Coskun, heads of the monthly "Dersim" magazine for "publishing content against the declaration handed to the property owner."
The journalist, who were being tried because they objected to paying a fine of 20 billion Turkish lira (USD 14,600) each, are currently handed a fine of 30 billion Turkish lira (USD 22,000). The journalists were being tried for violating the Press Law by publishing Kurdish articles in the June 2002 edition of the magazine.
Mutlu and Coskun will now wait for the outcome of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's May 21, 2002 application to the Constitutional Court regarding the Press Law. "The fines will prevent the free distribution of news, opinions and views, and will hamper the continued existence of media organizations," Sezer had said in his application.
On February 18, an Istanbul court continued trying head Dogan Ozguden of the "Turkiye ve Avrupa'da Yazin" (Literature in Turkey and Europe) magazine, journalist-writer Emin Karaca and editor-in-chief Mehmet Emin Sert. The journalists, who accused the Turkish army to be involved in murders since the 1960s, are being charged with "insulting the state's military forces."
The court warned the police once again that Gunozguden, who lives in Belgium, is detained at the border to be questioned. In an October 2002 letter to former Justice Minister Aysel Celikel, the Journalists Without Borders (RSF), said: "Convicting journalists for 'insulting the army' is a violation of Turkey's promises to the European Union."
On February 17, a Turkish court continued trying journalist Fikret Baskaya because of a book called, "Articles Against the Flow," whose last edition was published in January 2003, and which includes articles from the 1993 issues of the closed-down "Ozgur Gundem" (Free Agenda) newspaper.
Ismet Erdogan, the head of the Maki Media Publishing company, which published the book, and Ozden Bayram, who prepared the book for publication, are also standing trial. The court is currently awaiting the appointment of an expert. Baskaya, Erdogan and Bayram, who are being tried at an Ankara Penal Court are facing up to three years in prison under article 159 of TCK.
Savas Ay, a program presenter at the national "ATV" channel, and Mehmet Akif Koskun, head of the news program, is standing trial for "insulting the intangible individuality of the courthouse." Savas is standing trial because of what he said during his "A Takimi" (A Team) program about a videocassette recording of a past relationship of singer Gulben Ergen.
According to the February 11 Radikal newspaper, the indictment by the Sisli prosecutor's office says that Ay, during the program on September 14, 2003, said the following about the cassette: "I am repeating to the prosecutors, police officers and paramilitary police of this country. Take the man who allegedly recorded this film and interrogate him. Is this country forlorn?" Ay faces up to nine years in prison for "insulting the intangible individuality of the courthouse."
Berna Aktas, the owner and editor-in-chief of the weekly "Mus Haber" (Mus News) and head Faruk Aktas were sentenced to a year each in prison for publishing a news story about corruption allegations in a project for the disabled, under the title of "Robbery in the province, looting in the district."
The prison sentence was commuted to a fine and was suspended. The newspaper is faced with billions of Turkish lira of fines because of about 10 cases against it. In July 2003, a damages case was opened because of the same news story. Five disabled people, who had given a declaration, are also standing trial. On the application of deputy governor Ibrahim Kucuk,a case based on article 268/2-3 and article 80 of TCK has been opened because of the same news story.
Mustafa Dokuler, editor-in-chief of the "Yeni Asya" (New Asia) newspaper, and Faruk Cakir who wrote an article titled, "Look at the Turkish Media," who were being tried based on article 312/2 of the TCK, were released on February 9. The case brought against writer Sukru Bulut for writing an article titled, "Earthquakes Equal Disasters," was postponed. Bulut was charged with "inciting hatred and enmity among the people based on religious and sect differences." The Istanbul DGM was handling the case.
The representatives of the printing office of the "Kuzeydogu" (Northeast), and "Yesil Gole" (Green Gole) newspapers and the "23 Subat" (February 23) newspaper, were fined five billion Turkish lira (USD 3,600) for including in their news, the allegations that the Gole local official Alper Faruk Gungor kicked villagers out of his office "because they smelled of turd."
On January 23, an Ardahan court decided that Halis Kilic, the owner of the "Yesil Gole," newspaper, his daughter, editor-in chief Ulviye Kilic, Yavuz Mingan from the printing office of the "23 Subat" newspaper, and Fakir Yilmaz, owner of the "Kuzeydogu Anandolu" (Northeast Anatolia) newspaper should be punished. The journalists said they would appeal the decision. Gungor had sued the journalists for "attacking his personal rights."
On January 21, Seyfullah Karakurt, former head of the "Anadolu'nun Sesi" (Anadolu's Voice) radio in Istanbul, said DGM republic prosecutor Hadi Salihoglu had appealed a court decision for his acquittal. Karakurt had stood trial for his programs about the prison operations in Turkey.
In his application, the prosecutor said the acquittal decision was against the procedure and law. With the decision to appeal the case, Karakurt's file will be handled by the Supreme Court of Appeals.
At the October 16 hearing, the Istanbul DGM had acquitted Karakurt despite the prosecutor's objection. Karakurt was facing up to three years in prison for "inciting hatred and enmity within the society where people could become a threat to each other."
The Supreme Court of Appeals overturned the 12 years and six months prison sentence handed to Asiye Zeybek Guzel, a former employee of the "Atilim" (Advance) newspaper. In its decision, which was delivered to Zeybek on January 14, the court decided to wait for the outcome of the trial opened with the allegation that Zeybek was tortured under detention. In that trial, the court listens to Zeybek as a witness. Lawyer Ercan Kanar said the decision to overturn the prison sentence could affect the fundamentals of the trial.
In January 2004, a court decided to abate the complaint by Faruk Aktas, head of the "Mus Haber" (Mus News) newspaper, that he was attacked. According to Aktas, a group working under deputy governor Ibrahim Kucuk carried out the attack. The journalist is standing trial for his news stories on corruption.
European Court of Human Rights
On March 25, the ECHR published a response to the application of "Ozgur Radyo" (Free Radio) in Istanbul. The radio was ordered off the air for 30 days for a news story titled, "Attack like a massacre." In its response, the ECHR said it would wait for the completion of the Turkish court's procedure.
Journalist Haluk Gerger had applied to ECHR saying there was no "freedom of expression" and "fair trial." On March 9, the case was settled. The court decided that Turkey should pay 7,000 euros to Gerger in damages. Gerger and the editor-in-chief of the "Evrensel" (Universal) newspaper were convicted on July 3, 1995 because of an article titled, "OHAL and Cekic Guc," (Military rule and Hammer Force) published on June 30, 1995. The two were convicted of "inciting hatred and enmity based on regional and racial differences." Gerger was convicted based on articles 312/2-3 of the TCK.
On January 25, the ECHR rejected a request that there is a precautionary measure on the arrest of journalist Sinan Kara. The court asked for the evidence. Lawyer Erdal Dogan had objected that Kara was sentenced to prison after the court only listened to two witnesses and did not take into account the fact that their statements had later been changed. Dogan applied to the ECHR on January 21 and based its application on articles regulating a "fair trial," "effective right to application," and "discrimination ban." Kara, when he was a reporter for the "Sabah" newspaper, had been sentenced to a year in prison, with the statements of two witnesses, for threatening the security guards of Mert Ciller. The sentence was based on article 192 of TCK.
Regulations and seeking judgment
"Gun FM" (Day FM) and "Gun TV" (Day TV) in Diyarbakir, on March 24, applied to the Council of State and demanded the cancellation of the "Regulation on Broadcasts in Languages and Dialects other than Turkish." This media organization, on the same day, also applied to the RTUK's Permission and Allotment Office, asking to broadcast under the current regulation. It asked for permission to broadcast Kurdish programs on two days a week for 45 minutes each.
On March 8, human rights activists pursued legal action about a group from the ultra nationalist Grey Wolves. The group had threatened the employees of the "Agos" newspaper.
Sanar Yurdatapan, head of the Initiative Against Crimes of Thought, Hasan Mollaoglu, board member for the Turkish Voluntary Formations Foundation, Hurriyet Sener, director of the Human Rights Association (IHD), and Zubehir Perihan, director of the Mezopotamia Culture Center (MKM) went to the Sisli prosecutor's office and handed a petition of complaint. Yurdatapan also complained to the Sisli Human Rights District Board.
The Prime Ministry had asked "Gunes TV" (Sun TV) to change its partnership structure in order to be able to get a Prime Ministry Security Document. An Ankara court ruled that the Prime Ministry's September 17, 2003 procedure was "against the law." The court decision, which was delivered at the beginning of March, said "the intelligence information are not obstacles to granting a Security Document." It also added that there were no other allegations about the issue. "Gunes TV" had applied to the Prime Ministry on October 30, 2002 for a Security Document. On February 28, 2003 the Prime Ministry rejected its request.
On January 28, the Diyarbakir Bar applied to the Council of State for the cancellation of the "Regulation on Broadcasts in Languages and Dialects other than Turkish," which "for now" allows local and regional radio and television companies to broadcast programs in languages other than Turkish.
The Bar asked that some of the articles of the regulation are "cancelled" and asked that the regulation is first of all, taken out of effect. "Radyo Dunya" (Radio World) in Adana, "Radyo Imaj" (Radio Image) in Ankara, "Radyo NET" (Radio NET) in Sanliurfa and "Radyo Ses" (Radio Voice) in Mersin joined the Diyarbakir Bar in its application.
Although it is not in the "Law on the Right of Access to Information," the Prime Ministry, with a circular it published on January 21, said the people had the right of access to information only if this information was about that person or that person's area of activities. Lawyer Mehmet Ucum said the Prime Ministry's circular was against the law.
"It is impossible that a right granted to people by law is limited through a circular," said Ucum. He said everyone living in Turkey and who would like to take advantage of the right of access to information, could apply to the Council of State within 60 days and demand the cancellation of the circular. The "Law on the Right of Access to Information," was passed as part of the European Union reforms and will go into effect on April 24.
Reactions against censorship and monopolization
The Press Council announced their "Report on Imprisoned Journalists," on March 19. The council said that "it would be good if seven out of 30 journalists imprisoned as of January 1, were retried."
It said these people were, Burhan Gardas, Erdal Dogan, Erkan Koncuk, Kemal Evcimen, Memik Horuz, Nurettin Sirin ve Sadik Celik, and added they were in prison for "being members if an illegal organization."
The Directors' Board, composed of board members and branch heads of the Turkish Journalists' Union (TGS) gathered in Ankara on March 17, 2004. The TGS Directors' Board drew attention to monopolization in the media sector.
"It has become an urgent need that the ownership structure and administrative mentality of the Turkish media is completely changed," said the board. It also argued that the commercial activities of media owners should be ended at once. "Though legal regulations, the relationship between commerce, financial sector and state tenders should end," said the board.
On March 17, the CGD condemned State Minister Kursat Tuzmen, who tore up the Gaziantep "Soz Halkin" (People's Turn to Speak) newspaper at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kilis-Gaziantep road, saying it had published a false news story. CGD said it would be normal for Tuzmen to be disturbed by the headline of the newspaper, but added he could have pursued legal action against it.
"This member of the government, put himself in the place of jurisdiction, like those honor murderers we have been seeing often recently, and implemented the punishment it saw fit for the newspaper," said the CGD. TGC also said it reproached Tuzmen's behavior. Minister Tuzmen, in a statement said: "I saw that a false story was in the newspaper with large fonts. I was deeply saddened. I behaved in a wrong way, which is not at all my style. I am sorry."
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) based in the United States, in its annual report on March 15, said despite legal reforms in Turkey, there were many obstacles in implementation. The committee, in its report, talked about the arrest of journalist Sinan Kara, the trial of Dogan Ozguden and the closing-down of the Internet sites of the "Ekmek ve Adalet" (Bread and Justice) magazine, and "Ozgur Politika" (Free Politics) newspaper.
The committee said that journalists were still being treated as criminals because of what they were doing. It said that at least five journalists were in prison in 2003.
According to the report, despite EU reforms since 2002, legal action is still being brought against journalists who criticize the military or the jurisdiction, who write about the problems of the Kurdish minority who demand broader cultural rights, and who publish criticisms against political issues such as political Islam.
The Press Council, on February 26, condemned Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for asking for "censorship" on news about Cyprus during a meeting with media representatives. "The Cyprus problem is among the most important national issues that requires transparency," said co-president of the Press Council, Dogan Heper.
On February 4, the Solidarity Platform for Imprisoned Journalists, called on intellectuals, artists, journalists, writers and workers to embrace the issue of imprisoned journalists in Turkey. "Let's look after the issue of journalists who, for the freedom of the country and for a better life for the people, are fighting with their pens, knowledge and opinions, who are paying the price, are being arrested and tried," said the platform.
It said these journalists were: Memik Horuz, "Isci Koylu Gazetesi" (Worker Villager Newspaper), Nurettin Sirin, "Selam Gazetesi (Selam Newspaper), Sinan Kara "Datca Haber Gazetesi" (Datca News Newspaper), Erol Zavar "Odak Dergisi" (Focus Magazine), Erdal Tan "Odak Dergisi", Bulent Genc "Emegin Bayragi Gazetesi" (Flag of Labor Newspaper), Mehmet Emin Tastan "Ozgur Halk" (Free Public), Ozgen Is "Mucadele Birligi Gazetesi" (Joint Struggle Newspaper), Hatice Duman "Ozgurluk ve Sosyalizm Yolunda Atilim Gazetesi" (Advance for Freedom and Socializm Newspaper) and Kemal Evcimen "Ozgur Karadeniz Gazetesi" (Free Blacksea Newspaper).
RTUK penalties by organization and law
1- For violating paragraph (z) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "No programs, which could hurt the physical, mental and moral development of the youth and children may be broadcasted" during the hours when that age group may be watching the television;
Warnings
TGRT, "Kadinin Sesi" (Women's Voice) program; October 1, 4, 8, 2003 (During the January 7, 2004 meeting)
Kanal D (Channel D) Sansa Dansa, January 6, 2004 (January 14, 2004)
Olay TV (Event TV) "Cekirge Magazin" (Grasshopper Magazine) January 7, 2004 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Show TV, Kurtlar Vadisi (Valley of Wolves), January 29 - February 5, 2004 (February 11)
Kanal D, Kadinin Sesi, January 15, 2004 (February 19-24, 2004)
Olay TV Commercials, February 9, 2004 (February 19-20, 2004)
ATV main news program, February 15 ( March 4-10-16, 2004)
ATV A Takimi (A Team), February 14, 2004 (March 24, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
Flash TV, Gercek Kesit (Real Section), May 15, 2003 (January 27, 28, 2004)
CNBC-e, "Buffy The Vampire Slayer"
TGRT, "Telekritik" (Telecritic), June 20, 2003
Show TV, "Biz Evleniyoruz" (We are getting married), December 13, 15, 2003 (March 4, 10, 16, 2004)
Kanal D, Sansa Dansa, February 16, 2004 (March 24, 2004)
Asking for a defense statement
Kanal D, Sansa Dansa, February 16, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Show TV, "Kurtlar Vadisi", February 12, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Show TV, "Biz Evleniyoruz," January 19, 20, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
ATV, "Esra Ceyhan'la A'dan Z'ye" (A to Z program with Esra Ceyhan), January 19, 20, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Kanal D, main news program, February 28, 2004 (March 4, 10, 16, 2004)
Kanal D, "Bu Sabah" (This morning), February 13, 2004 (March 4, 10, 16, 2004)
Kanal D, "Sabah Sabah Seda Sayan" (Seda Sayan in the morning), January 12, 2004 and February 18, 2004 (March 24, 2004)
2- For violating paragraph (i) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "There can be no attacks against the intangible individuality of people beyond the limits of criticism; response and correction rights should be respected.";
Warning
Yesilcam TV (Green pine TV),
Nev TV,
Sineklasik (Cineclassic),
Dizi TV (Serial TV),
Kral FM (King FM) ,
Super FM (Super FM),
Metro FM and
Joy FM'in, Programs, January 13, 2003 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Asking for a defense statement
TGRT "Morning News," November 4, 2003 (January 7, 2004)
Star TV, News, December 31, 2003 and January 19-26, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Star TV, "5 p.m. News Program," February 5, 2004 (March 4, 10 and 16, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
Flash TV- Main news program, June 13, 2003 (January 7, 2004)
Haber Turk, News program, June 13, 2003
TGRT, "Morning News," November 4, 2003 (February 19,24, 2004)
Kanal D, main news program, September 23, 26, 2003 and October 13-24, 2003; (March 4, 10 and 16, 2004)
Star TV, commercial programs, October 6-22, 2003; November 4, 5, 26, 2003; December 2-10, 2003;
3- For violating paragraph (e) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "Broadcasts should not be against the national and moral values of the society and the Turkish family structure";
Warnings
Kanal D, "Sansa Dansa" program, January 6, 2004 (January 14, 2004)
Flash TV, Evlat Acisi (Pain of Losing a Child), January 5 and 12, 2004, (February 19, 24, 2004)
Olay TV, Cekirge Magazin, January 7, 2004 (January 27,28, 2004)
Kanal D, Kadinin Sesi program, January 15, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Asking for a defense statement
TGRT, Kadinin Sesi program, September 29, 2003 (January 7, 2004)Kanal D, Sansa Dansa, February 16, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
Kanal 6 (Channel 6) (Anatolia), "Orada Neler Oluyor" (What is happening there) program, June 21, 2003, (January 27,28, 2004) (The program was ordered off the air three times)
TGRT, Kadinin Sesi program, September 16, 2003, (January 27, 28, 2004) (The program was ordered off the air three times)
Kanal D, Sansa Dansa program, February 16, 2004 (March 24, 2004)
4- For violating paragraph (b) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "No broadcasts may incite violence, terrorism, ethnic discrimination within the society, or incite hatred and enmity based on class, race, language, religion, sect and regional differences";
Ordering television and radio stations off the air for 30 days
Serhat TV, (Kars), "Isildak" (Searchlight) program, July 2, 2003 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Ozgur Radyo (Istanbul), Konusan Sayfalar (Talking Pages), August 27, 2003 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Gunes TV (Sun TV) (Malatya), main news program, May 22, 2003 (March 4, 10, 16, 2004)
5- For violating paragraph (a) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "No broadcasts may be against the presence and independence of the Turkish Republic State, the indivisible unity of the State with its country and its people, and the Ataturk principles and revolutions";
Ordering television and radio stations off the air for 30 days
ART TV (Diyarbakir), programs, August 16, 2003 (March 24, 2004)
6- For violating paragraph (1) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "News programs should be objective, based on realities, and true; they would not prevent people from freely forming their own opinions.";
Asking for a Defense Statement
Haber Turk (News Turk), News program, December 18-22, 2003 (January 27 and 28, 2004)
Star TV, News program, December 31, 2003 and January 19-26, 2004 (February 19, 24,2004)
Ordering programs off the air
Gun TV (Diyarbakir), News program, June 6, 2003 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Expo Channel, Main news program, December 18 and 22, 2003 (March 24, 2004)
7- For violating paragraph (k) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "Nobody can be called a criminal before a court decision.";
Warning
Kanal D (Channel D), Main news program, January 4, 2004 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Flash TV, Aykut Oray'la Umut (Hope program with Aykut Oray), October 30, 2003 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Asking for a defense statement
TGRT, morning news program, November 4, 2003 (January 7, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
TGRT, morning news program, November 4, 2003 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Star TV, Desifre (Decipher) program, March 25, 2003 (March 4, 10, 16, 2004)
8- For violating paragraph (j) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "Broadcasts may not be used as a vehicle for an unfair aim or interest; there may be no unfair competition.";
Warning
Yesilcam TV,
Nev TV,
Sineklasik,
Dizi TV,
Kral FM,
Super FM,
Metro FM,
Joy FM, programs, June 13, 2003 (January 27, 28, 2004)
ATV, "Esra Ceyhan'la A'dan Z'ye," January 8 and 30, 2004 (January 19, 24,
2004)
Asking for a defense statement
Star TV, news program, December 31, 2003 and January 19-26, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
ATV, Main news program, January 19, 2004 (January 19, 24, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
Star TV, broadcasts during a football game, September 16-17, 2003 (January 27, 28, 2004) ) (Ordering program off the air for three times)
9- For violating paragraph (p) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: " No competition programs may be organized through telephone calls or similar methods; the audience may not be granted awards as a result of such competitions, or be a means to the granting of awards.";
Warnings
Kanal D, Sansa Dansa program, January 6, 2004 (January 14, 2004)
Show TV, "Ikinci Laguna Kazanma Firsati" (Second Opportunity to Win a Laguna) competition program, January 5, 2004 (March 24, 2004)
Asking for a defense statement
Show TV, announcements for the "Ikinci Laguna Kazanma Firsati" competition program (January 27, 28, 2004)
Kanal D, Sansa Dansa program, February 16, 2004 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
Kanal D, Sansa Dansa, February 16, 2004 (March 24, 2004)
10- For violating paragraph (v) of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "Broadcasts may not be make appealing the use of violence or incite hatred based on racism.";
Warnings
Show TV, Kurtlar Vadisi serial, January 29, 2004 and February 5, 2004 (February 11, 2004)
Akra FM, Hadisler Deryasi (Sea of Traditions) program, October 7, 2003 (February 19, 24, 2004)
11- For violating the first paragraph of article 4 of Law No: 3984 which has been amended through Law No: 4756, which states: "Radio and television broadcasts should be in line with the superiority of law, general principles of the Constitution, basic rights and freedoms, national security, and general morals, and with the attitude of a public service.";
Warning
Star TV, "Renkli Hayatlar" (Colorful Lives), January 9; "Super Magazin" (Super Magazine), January10, 2004; "Paparazzi", January 11, 2004 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Show TV, "Pazar Surprizi" (Sunday Surprise), "Pazar Keyfi" (Sunday Joy), January 4, 2004; "Televole", January 5, 2004 (January 27, 28)
ATV, "Elifname", January 3-10, 2004; "Harika Pazar" (Wonderful Sunday), January 4-11, 2004; "Ozel Hat" (Special Line), January 6-13, 2004; Main news program, January 10, 2004. (January 27, 28, 2004)
Flash TV, "Renkli Dunyalar" (Colorful Worlds), January 1, 2004 (January 27, 28, 2004)
Ordering programs off the air
TV 21 (Diyarbakir), August 24, 2003 (February 19, 24, 2004)
Gun FM (Diyarbakir), May 21, 2003 (February 19, 24, 2004) (EO/EA/YE)
