ISTANBUL - "Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code needs revision in order to facilitate more freedom of expression. This article must be revised by the government without wasting time," said Oktay Eksi, chairman of the Press Council of Turkey, on Friday.
"If revision is not made on Article 301, Turkey will become a country with the most number of journalists in jail," indicated Eksi.
Article 301 went into effect on June 1st, 2005. "On that day, at least 70 cases were brought up against journalists. Currently, there are dozens of cases and we do not know exactly the total number of court cases based on Article 301," stressed Eksi.
"We do not wish for the total elimination of Article 301. It needs revision to promote freedom of expression and democracy," added Eksi.