European Parliament calls for release of Turkish journalist

In brief

On 10 October 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the case of Bülent Mumay, an imprisoned Turkish journalist. MEPs call for his immediate release and denounce violations of press freedom in Turkey.

Background

Bülent Mumay is a Turkish journalist and writer, arrested in September 2024 for articles criticising the government. He is accused of "terrorist propaganda" and faces a heavy prison sentence. His case is part of a context of increasing repression of the media in Turkey, where many journalists are imprisoned.

What Parliament decided

In its resolution, the European Parliament:

• Strongly condemns the detention of Bülent Mumay and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.
• Calls on the Turkish authorities to respect freedom of expression and press freedom, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
• Demands that Mumay have access to a fair trial and adequate defence.
• Requests the European Commission and Member States to closely monitor the case and use all available instruments to support media freedom in Turkey.
• Recalls that respect for fundamental rights is an essential condition for EU-Turkey relations.

Vote result

The resolution was adopted by a show of hands, without a request for a roll-call vote. This means it received broad majority support among the MEPs present.

For citizens

This resolution shows that the European Parliament defends press freedom, even outside the EU. It sends a strong signal to the Turkish authorities and reminds that the European Union closely monitors violations of fundamental rights. For citizens, it illustrates Parliament's role in promoting democratic values internationally.