IPI Public Statements

Dear Mr. Attorney General,

The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, wishes to express its deep concern over the criminal defamation charges brought against Dogan Harman, publisher and editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Kibrisli, and against the newspaper itself, for allegedly insulting you and your honour.

According to information before IPI, the charges against Harman and Kibrisli stem from the journalist’s investigative reports about the dealings of a local businessman, which have allegedly inflicted extensive financial damage on several companies and public institutions. In his articles, Harman criticised the apparent inaction displayed by your office in this case. He has also demanded an official investigation in order to ascertain whether serious crimes have been committed.

IPI believes that the legal campaign against Harman is part of a campaign of harassment aimed at silencing his criticism of your performance in office. If convicted, Harman could face a prison term, a stiff fine, and the closure of his newspaper.

Criminal defamation and "insult" laws are an anachronism that should be removed from every legal system. Legal remedies already exist in civil libel law to provide recourse for perceived defamation. Moreover, public officials need to be afforded less, not more, protection from defamation than ordinary citizens, if there is to be free and vigorous public debate, which is the hallmark of a democratic society.

The view that the criminalisation of defamation is illegitimate is shared by the world’s leading courts, including the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The clear trend of their opinions is that defamation should be treated under civil law, not as a criminal offence subject to state punishments.

With this in mind, IPI calls on you to drop the charges against Harman and to ensure that all criminal laws that hinder press freedom and freedom of expression are removed from the statute books. We further urge you to ensure that the media’s right to report in the public interest is fully protected.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director