Antonio TAJANI, EP President, gives the opening speech on the situation of media and freedom of expression in Turkey during the EP Seminar on Freedom of Press in Turkey.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

EU - Türkiye (T)

freedom of press and media (T)

seminar

The situation of media and freedom of expression in Turkey: extracts from the opening speech by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, during the EP Seminar on Freedom of Press in Turkey

Antonio TAJANI, President of the European Parliament, enters the conference room (4 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, This is a very important day, it is important for me as former journalist. Also, it is important to strengthen the freedom of the press inside the European Union. A journalist killed in Malta, another in Slovakia, this is a negative message for us. It is difficult to push Mr. Erdogan and to push Mr. Putin, Mr. Maduro and their countries for the freedom of the press. For this, we need to be very strong in Europe.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, This freedom is at the very heart of democracy. A country can call itself democratic only if journalists and media can work in a free and independent environment, acting as guardian for the respect of the rule of law.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Just a few pieces of information. Last year in Turkey 55 positions were lost, newspapers disappeared and 150 more to say the least. 73 journalists were arrested, 150 journalist since the failed coup are still in prison. Amnesty International has calculated that from July 180 newspapers, blog and magazines have closed down. And this is an unacceptable situation for us.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Now finally on the question of fake news. We have our work cut out to make sure that public opinion is not influenced by fake news, which is deliberately disseminated not just by one country but by many countries. And in many countries to influence public opinion, to influence people&rsquo;s consumer behaviour and people&rsquo;s political choices during election times.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, And receiving good information means that ordinary people can take informed decisions, and these are all areas where we must engage and reflect. And we must do this not just today but also when we attend conventions, meeting and events. Because those who want to smother press freedoms there are those who put journalists behind bars and that is a daily activity and we must fight back on a daily basis as well.