Freedom House's [1] February 27, 2007 press release calling for the Turkish government to respect media freedom as the country prepares for upcoming elections reads:

Freedom House expressed concern today at recent attempts by the Turkish government to intimidate media outlets, and calls on authorities to respect freedoms of the press and expression leading up to presidential and general elections scheduled for later this year.

In recent weeks, the Kanal Turk TV station, which is perceived to be critical of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, has reported attempts by officials to intimidate it into curtailing critical reporting. Attempts at intimidation have included detailed investigations by the Ministry of Finance into the financial activities of Kanal Turk TV, including examinations of the tax records, bank accounts, and income flow of both managers and employees, as well as the personal expenses of family members of the management and guests who have appeared on the station’s programs. These and similar actions against other media outlets have prompted condemnation by both local and international organizations, including the head of the Turkish Press Council.

“These subtle forms of intimidation have no place in a democratic society and are inconsistent with the positive steps that Turkey has taken in the past six years to improve its ratings in press freedom,” said Karin Karlekar, managing editor of Freedom House’s Freedom of the Press survey...

Click here to read the Freedom House press release in its entirety. [2]