Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn on the arrests of Human Rights defender and journalists in Turkey

Turkish authorities arrested on 20 June 2016 three prominent campaigners for press freedom, including the local representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda.

The European Union condemned such arrests, stating they went 'against Turkey's commitment to respect the fundamental rights, including freedom of media'. It further stated that 'Turkey, as a candidate country, must aspire to the highest possible democratic standards and practices'.

It was announced on 30 June 2016 that two activists had been released following international condemnation of their detention. However, it was also highlighted that their prosecution on terrorism-related charges would proceed.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Dutch journalist arrested in Turkey for criticising Erdoğan http://www.europeansources.info/record/dutch-journalist-arrested-in-turkey-for-criticising-erdogan/

ESO: Background information: Merkel warns Erdogan his authoritarian drift endangers visa deal. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: No Turkey visa waiver, no refugee deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-warns-erdogan-his-authoritarian-drift-endangers-visa-deal-recep-tayyip-erdogan-no-turkey-visa-waiver-no-refugee-deal/

EurActiv, 21.06.16: Turkish press campaigner arrests prompt EU criticism http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/turkish-press-campaigner-arrests-prompt-eu-criticism/

BBC News, 21.06.16: Turkey charges press freedom activists with 'terrorist propaganda' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36582486

The Guardian, 21.06.16: Turkey arrests raise further concerns over press freedom https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/turkey-arrests-raise-further-concerns-over-press-freedom

Deutsche Welle, 20.06.16: Turkey detains journalists on terror charges http://dw.com/p/1JAEh

Hürriyet Daily News, 21.06.16: Over 100 journalists show solidarity with arrested campaigners http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/over-100-journalists-show-solidarity-with-arrested-campaigners.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100733

EurActiv, 01.07.16: Turkish court frees 2 press freedom campaigners, third still in jail http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/turkish-court-frees-2-press-freedom-campaigners-third-still-in-jail/

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