H. E. Tansu Ciller
Prime Minister of Turkey
Prime Minister’s Office
Ankara
Turkey

Vienna, 16 January 1995

Your Excellency,

The International Press Institute (IPI) is most concerned about the latest development in the Turkish authorities’ continued campaign of harassment against Özgür Ülke, the Istanbul-based daily newspaper.

We are informed that since 6 January 1995 all copies of the Kurdish-language paper have been confiscated before distribution. Since it started publishing on 28 April 1994, Özgür Ülke has been the frequent target of political pressure, including seizures, but never before have editions of the paper been seized from its printing facilities before distribution was possible. We understand that this latest tactic of the police may force the paper to close down.

IPI welcomed your recent promise to introduce new legislation, which would change the military-drafted 1982 constitution, and to end political bans and ease curbs on freedom of speech. Curbs on freedom of expression, exercised through the penal code, will be largely lifted when article 14 of the constitution is revised, you said during a live broadcast on 7 January 1995.

IPI, representing publishers, editors-in-chief and leading journalists from newspapers, magazines, broadcasting organisations and news agencies in 89 countries, strongly urges that you honour your pledge to revise harsh legislation and that you allow Özgür Ülke to publish without further interference.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director