The S&D Group in the European Parliament condemns the recent police raids and the detention of a number of journalists and media representatives in Turkey, underlining that these actions undermine the freedom of the media, which is a core principle of democracy.

The Group underlines that in a democratic country the freedom to criticise the government or the ruling party cannot be limited – or put under threat.

S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:

"We strongly believe that the Turkish government should address media freedom as a matter of priority and provide an adequate legal framework to guarantee pluralism in line with European and international standards.

"We reiterate that a free and pluralistic press is an essential component of any democracy. 

"As we are committed with the European perspective of Turkey, we call on the Turkish government to review the legal provisions that are used to restrict the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and the right to access to information, and to bring them into line with European standards."

S&D MEP Kati Piri commented:

"We are very concerned over backsliding on democratic reforms, especially the government's diminishing tolerance for public protest and criticism in the media. Respect for fundamental freedoms is at the heart of the EU accession negotiation process.

"These developments call for more, not less engagement with Turkey. In order to increase pressure on the government, chapters 23 and 24 dealing with the rule of law and human rights must be opened. This would allow both parties to engage in a genuine dialogue and give Turkey the opportunity to prove its commitment to democratic reforms." 

Richard Howitt MEP, the S&D Group's foreign affairs co-ordinator said:

"I am saddened by the protestations from the Turkish government in Strasbourg this week about the release of all but four of the journalists. The government seems intent on wantonly ignoring the pattern of arrests, threats and harassment against the media – of which this is only the latest example – and the climate of fear and self-censorship which continues to be inflicted on the country's press as a result.

"Our Group remains absolutely committed to Turkey's accession to the European Union and believes opening negotiating chapters could help the country address the reforms needed, but we will never be silenced or deterred from making justified criticisms. And in this instance they are absolutely justified."