Gülen movement on the freedom of press

In democratic societies, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are inalienable fundamental rights. This position is put forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Being able to express marginal, radical or extreme views is a requirement of democracy and freedom of expression so long as such views do not transgress internationally recognized limitations such as promoting violence or hatred, or defamation.
As recognized as an EU norm, any practice that restricts freedom of the press, such as political or commercial pressure or self-censorship is undemocratic and unacceptable (ECHR\10 and UDHR\19).
The commercial and government affairs of media owners should not be of such a nature that they restrict the freedom of the press.
Pressure exerted on the media by political actors, the compliance of media owners to this pressure to protect their commercial interests and the use of media by media owners as a means of force and blackmail are all forms of interference that restrict the freedom of the press. To protect the dignity and principles of their profession, all journalists must take a stand against such forms of pressure.
Freedom of the press can only be achieved through the democratic stance of all responsible parties, especially politicians and the media.
Just as freedom of the press cannot allow scope for activities seeking to undermine democracy, neither does it provide journalists immunity from the law. However, such limitations must of course be applied very carefully and in such a way that it does not victimize journalists unlawfully who are working within the boundaries protected by freedom of expression and in accordance with their professional ethics.
Developments incompatible with the protection of freedom of the press have overshadowed Turkey’s attempts in recent years to further democratize itself and tarnish its image at the international level.
Removing the restrictions against freedom of expression and freedom of the press and resolving the problems associated with enjoying these rights fully requires accelerating the pace of emancipatory reform and the regulation of domestic legislation in accordance with EU norms. In this respect, the Press Law, the Counterterrorism Law and the Turkish Penal Code must be brought into line with the principles of universal law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Journalists and Writers Foundations’s declaration on the freedom of press, April 17, 2013.

Don’t Make A Mystic into a Martyr: Fethullah Gülen as Peacebuilder

My conclusion? He’s a mystic in the Sufi tradition of Islam. And like other famous mystics in history—notably Gandhi, or Rumi—from whom Gülen draws deeply, Fethullah Gülen is…

Islamist vs. Islamic: Erdogan’s deep-rooted hatred of the Gülen movement

The Gülen movement, as a moderate, liberal Islamic civil society group, has tried to prevent the radical Islamist Erdogan from taking Turkey to a political Islamist hell. However,…

Was Gulen really “Once a close ally” of Erdogan?

Taking into account their contrasting roots and development in broader perspective, contending that Gulen and Erdogan were once close allies is not reasonable and accurate. Particularly, using this…

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

“With sorrowful hearts and humble acceptance of Allah’s will, we share the news of the departure of Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi from this temporal world.” Chestnut Retreat Center where Mr. Gulen resided since 1999 announced.

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who has been an advocate for human rights and equality throughout his life in his native South Africa and around the world.
– Fethullah Gulen

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

The Alliance for Shared Values (AfSV), a U.S.-based non-profit representing regional Hizmet organizations, together with many other Hizmet-affiliated nonprofits around the world, published a landmark document that helps define and guide the civil society movement’s activities for years to come.

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

The Turkey Tribunal, a civil society-led, symbolic international tribunal established to adjudicate recent human rights violations in Turkey, started proceedings in Geneva on Monday where rapporteurs pointed to the use of systematic torture by the government against alleged members of the faith-based Gülen movement and Kurds.

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

In the first chapter of his book: “A Genocide in the Making?” Zooming on “Erdogan’s regime crackdown on the Gulen Movement”, Dr. Bulent Kenes clearly refers to “genocide” as a set of “systematic violent crimes committed against groups with the intent to terminate their existence.”

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

The signatory states and their courts need to decide where their loyalty lies: With the authoritarian Erdogan government or with the human rights and judicial guarantees solemnly enshrined in their respective constitutions?

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Appearing on TV that night, Erdogan claimed no pre-knowledge of the incident and immediately blamed Gulen supporters in the military. However, Western governments and observers were not convinced. Experts noted the implausibility of a civilian living on another continent organizing a military coup and not being detected by U.S., Turkish or other intelligence agencies.

Gülen movement on the freedom of press

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