AKP members in the PACE argued, like always, that Turkey doesn’t have such issues. But several MPs pointed out the pressure the media faces in 47 countries, starting with Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
The state of the media in Turkey was discussed in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) General Assembly.
HDP MP Hisyar Ozsoy spoke in the PACE General Assembly about the arrested, investigated, fired and exiled journalists.
MEDIA SET TO GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA
Ozsoy said 95% of the media is under government influence and added that the media is shut off for the opposition and diverse opinions. Ozsoy pointed out that as the local elections of late March approach, the government-controlled media give little to no coverage for the opposition, allocating all air time to government propaganda. Ozsoy requested that the Council of Europe take necessary precautions on the issue.
SCHENNACH: I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EYES
PACE Social Works and Health Commission Chairperson Stefan Schennach said he saw the state of the media in Turkey with his own eyes in situ. Schennach gave a football game he watched on television as an example and said short documentaries showing how “victorious” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was were screened by the beginning and end of the game, and even during halftime, which he found incredulous and “couldn’t believe (his) eyes”.
Stefan Schennach said, “Corruption starts at the top,” when talking about how US President Donald Trump also targets the media daily by saying they disseminate “fake news”, but he himself spreads false information.
AKP members in the PACE argued, like always, that Turkey doesn’t have such issues. But several MPs pointed out the pressure the media faces in 47 countries, starting with Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
