IPA Calls for Amendment to Turkish Penal Code

International Publishers’ Association sent a letter to the Presidency of
the EU and the Commission seeking their assistance in calling upon the
Turkish Authorities to abandon the Armenian Genocide, a measure
jeopardizing freedom of expression

IFEX
07/10/2004

BIA (Geneva) – Publishers call out to Romano Prodi and successor José
Manuel Barroso to put an end to the criminalization of the expression of
the Armenian Genocide

On 4 October 2004, the International Publishers’ Association (IPA) sent
a letter to the Dutch Presidency of the European Union (EU) and to the
President of the EU Commission, Mr. Romano Prodi as well as incoming
President José-Manuel Barroso, seeking their assistance in calling upon
the Turkish Authorities to abandon the criminalization of expression of
the Armenian Genocide, a measure jeopardizing freedom of expression and
freedom to publish.

According to Article 306 of the new Turkish Penal Code adopted on 27
September 2004, a citizen who demands the withdrawal of Turkish soldiers
from Cyprus or declares that the Armenian genocide actually took place
during the First World War can be pursued by virtue of Article 306.
Prison sentences range from “three to ten years”.

Says Lars Grahn, President of the IPA Freedom to Publish Committee: “The
criminalization of the expression of the Armenian Genocide amounts to an
unjustified limitation of ‘freedom of expression’, a fundamental right
which is guaranteed under numerous international instruments to which
Turkey is a party”.

Says Ana Maria Cabanellas, President of the IPA: “The many reform
packages adopted in Turkey thus far are in part designed to improve
Turkey’s freedom of expression record by amending various provisions of
Turkey’s major legislation. IPA welcomes these changes. However, it is
fundamental that these legislative measures are implemented effectively.
This effort must now include amending Article 306 of the new Penal
Code”.(YE)

**For further information on Turkey’s bid to join the European Union,
see IFEX alerts of 4 October, 23 July, 15 June 2004**