Arrests continue across Turkey. This is “democracy” in Turkey. Following ongoing detentions of opposition mayors, the regime now targets… humour, arresting journalists and pursuing media outlets.
Turkish authorities have arrested journalists from the popular satirical magazine Leman. An investigation has been launched on charges of “open insult to religious values” after a cartoon in the publication allegedly depicted the Prophet Mohammed alongside Moses surrounded by bombs of war. The regime arrested the cartoonist and three editors-in-chief of the magazine.
The latest anti-democratic action by the Turkish government has sparked reactions and organised protest events against the arrests and prosecutions. Simultaneously, demonstrations occurred against the journalists and cartoonist. Islamic groups were seen clashing with police whilst chanting slogans such as “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
In a democracy, press freedom serves as a fundamental pillar. In a democracy, freedom of expression represents a core foundation. This does not apply in Turkey.
Media outlets and journalists face prosecution when they do not align with the regime’s views and the established order. Turkey prosecutes anything that might oppose the government.
Any opinion attempting democratic expression is pursued, highlighting alternative approaches to developments in the country.
Such behaviour cannot be met with passivity from the European Union, given Turkey’s candidate status for membership. When criticism, art, artistic expression and political positioning are considered by the regime as “disrespect for our beliefs”, is this democracy?
This reflects the convictions of a regime that is unfree, oppressive and anti-democratic. This is not a matter of opinion and ideology. A strong and categorical response from democratic Europe would be expected, particularly when protesters continue to be arrested, as occurred recently.
No ideology can be imposed by violating citizens’ rights. No free expression – a cartoon or caricature – can be considered a threat. Views that cartoons threaten “social peace” cannot be accepted.
These claims cannot be made whilst simultaneously knocking on the European Union’s door.
