Turkey declines in civil liberties, political rights, Freedom House says

Zaman covers NGO Freedom House’s report on global freedom which ripped Turkey for cracking down on the critical press, as well as individuals who are critical of the government. In 2015, Turkish authorities arrested dozens of journalists, seized control of several newspapers and television stations and let government supporters physically attack the offices of the Hurriyet daily. Also, some high school students and a former Miss Turkey were prosecuted for insulting Erdogan. The Freedom House report also calls out Erdogan for violating the Turkish constitution by openly campaigning for the ruling AKP while serving as Turkey’s president, which is supposed to be a nonpartisan position. Additionally, the report states the crackdown on the press and the renewed violence against Kurds deeply affected the November election in which the AKP reclaimed its majority.

 

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