On the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye
B-10-2024-0095
on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Isabel Serra Sánchez
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- Full procedure 2024/2856
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This resolution condemns the prison sentence of journalist Bülent Mumay and judicial harassment of independent media in Türkiye, urging Turkish authorities to end repression and protect fundamental freedoms.¶¶ It calls for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, an end to systematic repression of opposition voices, and judicial independence.¶¶¶ It demands revision of Turkish legislation to meet international standards, and asks the Council to make rule of law compliance integral to EU-Türkiye relations, while condemning EU financial support for migration restrictions.¶¶ It also calls on EU member states to simplify Schengen visa procedures for Turkish journalists.¶
Key points
- Condemns the sentence of Bülent Mumay and judicial harassment, intimidation, censorship and financial coercion against independent media and journalists.¶
- Calls on Turkish authorities to end all harassment, protect independent journalists, and guarantee the right to information.
- Deplores serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms and human rights in Türkiye and erosion of democracy and the rule of law.¶
- Urges an end to repression of political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants, journalists, writers and academics.¶
- Calls for immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained people, listing Figen Yüksekdağ, Selahattin Demirtaş, Osman Kavala, Çiğdem Mater, Mine Özerden, Can Atalay, and Tayfun Kahraman, and dropping charges.
- Calls to cease judicial persecution against Hakan Altınay, Mücella Yapıcı and Yiğit Ali Ekmekçi ahead of their next hearing on 9 October 2024.
- Calls on Turkish authorities to end systematic repression against opposition voices including HDP.¶
- Strongly condemns use of the justice system for political purposes; requires ensuring judicial independence and right to due process; calls to hold accountable those violating press freedom.¶
- Urges authorities to revise existing legislation – anti-terror Law, Criminal Code, law on assemblies and demonstrations, law on disinformation – and protected communication in messenger services and free communication in social media to comply with international standards.¶
- Requires the Council to ensure full implementation by Türkiye of rule of law and fundamental rights obligations is integral to EU-Türkiye relationship.¶
- Condemns EU financial support to Türkiye for restrictions on entry of refugees and migrants despite erosion of democracy; reiterates human rights should not be undermined by migration management, commercial interests or counter-terrorism.
- Calls on EU member states to simplify procedure for Turkish journalists to obtain Schengen visas.¶
Who is affected
- Turkish authorities and judiciary: must end harassment, ensure judicial independence, release detainees, and revise legislation.¶¶¶
- Independent media and journalists in Türkiye: face harassment and censorship; resolution calls for their protection and visa facilitation.¶
- Political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants, writers, academics: targeted by repression; resolution urges end to repression.¶
- EU Council and member states: must make rule of law compliance integral to EU-Türkiye relations and simplify visa procedures.¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- 20 months: prison sentence for Bülent Mumay on 6 May 2023.¶
- 6 May 2023: date of Mumay's sentencing.
- 20 August 2024: appeal court upheld conviction.
- August 26: 82 X accounts blocked by a court.¶
- 90%: national media under government control.
- 9 October 2024: next hearing for Hakan Altınay, Mücella Yapıcı and Yiğit Ali Ekmekçi.¶