Media Restrictions in Turkey

 The media restrictions of Turkey have been under the spotlight for a very long time. Many supporters of free press are speaking out about their concern for the country and its journalists. Turkey has a number of laws and restrictions that stop publications from speaking badly against the Government. These laws are supposed to still allow free speech, but many believe this is untrue. Around 40 journalists are currently in jail or have been convicted in Turkey and many news papers have cancelled production because of Government threats. When foreign reporters speak with Government officials about the restrictions, they are reassured that "free" speech still does occur in Turkey and they are open to journalists writing how they feel. Many people the Government is lying and trying to cover up the attacks on journalists. On the Reporters Without Borders website, Turkey is ranked 138th of 178 countries for press freedom in 2010. This rating is the lowest Turkey has received in a decade. Journalists have been demonstrating in Istanbul, the media capital, because of the high restrictions. Recently, 27 articles were found that are used to harass reporters. These restrictions are under the watchful eye of EU with Turkey. Turkey is applying for membership into the EU, but the process is taking time because of the many restrictions and laws Turkey has in place. Some of the most restricting laws have been lifted, but there are still a number of them. Journalists of all kinds are weary of speaking the truth in Turkey, and hopefully with protests increasing, the recent increased media climate will change.