BDP Tuncel asks minister to explain reasons for ongoing internet censorship
BDP Tuncel asks minister to explain reasons for ongoing internet censorship
BDP (Peace and democracy Party) Istanbul MP Sebahat Tuncel submitted a parliamentary question on the increasing internet censorship in Turkey, and asked for the question to be answered by the Minister of Transport and Communication Binali Yýldýrým.
In her parliamentary question, Tuncel reminded that 3700 internet sites were banned as a result of “arbitrary and political” reasons by 2010 in Turkey according to the Organization For Security And Co-operation In Europe (AGÝT).
In her parliamentary question MP Tuncel pointed out that “in its report called ‘Freedom of the press and internet censorship in Turkey’ AGIT criticized the internet censorship and stated the failure of Turkey’s internet law in guaranteeing freedom of expression. It is mentioned by various circles that the law must be reformed or scrapped altogether.
Opposition press is banned and penalized over internet, even exposed to law enforcements. While sites like Google, YouTube which are used by large masses are banned because of political reasons, the daily paper Gundemonline.com news site was banned 7 times because of its opposition standing. likewise, many internet sites like that of Atýlým paper, institutional site of Eðitim-sen and Ekþisözlük which take opposition and different standings, were censored. Destroying the freedom of press, these prohibitive applications unfortunately prevent freedom of expression and democratic insights in Turkey.”
MP Tuncel directed the following questions to Minister Yýldýrým;
- How many internet sites were banned and what was the reason of their ban, until today?
- What is the number of internet sites banned for political reasons?
- Compared to European countries, what is Turkey’s situation as far as banned sites are concerned?
- Considering the demands of public opinion, is it in question that the Information Law, which doesn’t meet the conditions and needs of modern day due to its prohibitive basis, can be restructured within the frame of freedom of expression?
- Do you think that the ban on opposition media and parties over internet prevent the freedom of information and expression? If you agree with that, will you give up these bans?
Translator: Berna Ozgencil
In her parliamentary question, Tuncel reminded that 3700 internet sites were banned as a result of “arbitrary and political” reasons by 2010 in Turkey according to the Organization For Security And Co-operation In Europe (AGÝT).
In her parliamentary question MP Tuncel pointed out that “in its report called ‘Freedom of the press and internet censorship in Turkey’ AGIT criticized the internet censorship and stated the failure of Turkey’s internet law in guaranteeing freedom of expression. It is mentioned by various circles that the law must be reformed or scrapped altogether.
Opposition press is banned and penalized over internet, even exposed to law enforcements. While sites like Google, YouTube which are used by large masses are banned because of political reasons, the daily paper Gundemonline.com news site was banned 7 times because of its opposition standing. likewise, many internet sites like that of Atýlým paper, institutional site of Eðitim-sen and Ekþisözlük which take opposition and different standings, were censored. Destroying the freedom of press, these prohibitive applications unfortunately prevent freedom of expression and democratic insights in Turkey.”
MP Tuncel directed the following questions to Minister Yýldýrým;
- How many internet sites were banned and what was the reason of their ban, until today?
- What is the number of internet sites banned for political reasons?
- Compared to European countries, what is Turkey’s situation as far as banned sites are concerned?
- Considering the demands of public opinion, is it in question that the Information Law, which doesn’t meet the conditions and needs of modern day due to its prohibitive basis, can be restructured within the frame of freedom of expression?
- Do you think that the ban on opposition media and parties over internet prevent the freedom of information and expression? If you agree with that, will you give up these bans?
Translator: Berna Ozgencil
