The situation regarding freedom of expression in Turkey continues to deteriorate, particularly for individuals who voice criticism against the government or President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. As the country approaches the NATO summit in Ankara, the crackdown on public discourse intensifies. It is fair to argue that the inaction of other nations contributes to the rise of authoritarian practices. Notably, human rights advocate Osman Kavala has been imprisoned since 2017, despite legally binding rulings from the European Court of Human Rights that mandate his release, recognizing him as a victim of political persecution. European countries have shown reluctance to apply substantial pressure on Turkey to secure Mr. Kavala’s freedom.
Rather than merely paying lip service to the principles of the European human rights framework, governments should engage in meaningful actions that bolster its enforcement.
Prof. Philip Leach from Middlesex University and Prof. Başak Çalı from Oxford University have both expressed the need for stronger measures.
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