In an effort to silence the press and drown out media criticism, Turkey’s government imposes its controversial Article 301 measure. Any journalist or editor who “insults” or “criticizes” the state could face a year in prison. Prison sentences were initially three years but Turkey agreed to reduce sentences after pressure from the European Commission.
Turkey, who wants to join the EU, is known for its hostile treatment of the press. Their prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has denounced media and called on the Turkish people to boycott newspapers. The International Press Institute (IPI) is lobbying EU Commission leaders to pressure Turkey’s reforms and hopes any EU expansion project will consider press freedoms as a prerequisite.
