‘SPEAKERS’ CORNER’ ALLOWS FREE SPEECH

Hurriyet
Jan 20 2009
Turkey

ISTANBUL – The Anatolian district of Kadıköy now hosts a "Speakers’
Corner" similar to the one in London’s Hyde Park. The Speakers’
Corner was established by the community center and allows those who
want to voice their opinions to speak publicly on various issues.

"The platform is for all people to have the right to speak. We aim
to expand the Speakers’ Corner to all neighborhoods in Istanbul,"
said Nuri Gunay, a representative of the community center.

People choose to talk about the busy agenda Those who take the stage
mostly speak about the Ergenekon operation, an alleged gang said to
have plotted to bring down the government by instigating a military
coup, Israel’s attack on Gaza, the economic crisis and the rising
price of gas. Students who ask for equal education rights and mothers
who want school scholarships for their children, are just a couple
of examples of those who take the stage.

The platform includes a microphone and sound speakers and is located
in front of the Armenian synagogue on Muhurday Avenue. While people
are now able to voice their opinions publicly, there is still no
immunity from the law and police must consider the speech lawful.

–Boundary_(ID_etpJDPawOSsbru2TchQp8w)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress