Journalist (Testifies in Camera)

Press Freedom Witness: The witness is a Turkish journalist and activist for media freedom and independence. He appeared before the Tribunal in camera, due to security concerns for him and his family, even in exile. As part of his testimony to the Tribunal, he referred to the different challenges to freedom of expression in Turkey including the lack of editorial independence, lack of media pluralism, the systematic destruction of digital archives, the instrumentalisation of the judiciary and overall hostile legal framework for the press. Furthermore, the witness testified to the existence of at least three institutions through which the Turkish president exerts extensive control over the media: the Radio TV Supreme Board (RTUK), the Directorate of Communications (TIB), and the Information and Communications Authority (BTK).