President Tatar Condemns Unfounded Attacks on State and Officials
President Ersin Tatar stated that using unfounded allegations in the media or on social media to attack the honor, dignity, and reputation of the state, its officials, or any individuals cannot be justified as freedom of expression.
In his statement, President Tatar urged the Government and the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to implement effective legal measures against media and social media publications that aim to belittle the state with baseless claims, denigrate state officials and citizens, or use offensive language.
While emphasizing his commitment to defending freedom of expression, President Tatar clarified that this freedom does not equate to limitless insults directed at the state, its institutions, and officials.
He further explained that criticism of those in power is a democratic element; however, it should not be confused with insult. He noted that publications harming the state’s honor are frequently made and stressed that newspapers, television channels, and journalists, who benefit from the state’s resources, should act responsibly. It is equally unacceptable to use media and social media to insult, denigrate, or make unfounded allegations against state officials, personnel, and individuals.
President Tatar called for prompt implementation of deterrent regulations, similar to those in some European countries, to address statements and publications that degrade and insult the state and personal rights.
He also criticized expressions in a column of the main opposition newspaper that could damage the state’s reputation, stating that it is contradictory for a party aspiring to govern and participating in elections to describe the state as fake or ignore such descriptions.
