Censorship Case Unresolved For 14 Years Due to RTÜK

Despite rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and Turkey’s Council of State canceling the 90-day suspension of Özgür Radyo’s broadcasting for covering unclaimed killings, Turkey’s Radio and Television Higher Board (RTÜK) insisted, leaving the case unresolved for 14 years. 

Previously, Council of State Case Administration General Board supported another verdict by Ankara 8^th Administrational Court that cited ECHR rulings and emphasized on freedom of expression. 

However, the initiative of Özgür Radyo was later on blocked by RTÜK’s motions. 

Özgür Radyo Broadcasting Coordinator Nadiye Gürbüz told bianet that they have been following up on the case through their attorneys and the final verdict will be issued by Council of State 13^th Penal Chamber - a higher court.

Under Füsun Erdoğan’s coordination, Özgür Radyo was faced with several suspensions of broadcasting. 

Once they were convicted of broadcasting the folk song “Nurhak” on July 9, 2000. A year-long suspension was issued, a ruling that convicted Turkey in ECHR. 

In 2004, the radio’s broadcasting was suspended again for mentioning an article by Evrensel newspaper. Once more, ECHR found the order against the freedom of expression and convicted Turkey on March 10, 2009. (EÖ/BM).

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.