Debate on international influence on free expression in Turkey

Does pressure from the international community improve or threaten freedom of expression in Turkey? This question is key in the debate that Amnesty International and the Turkije Institute are organizing on May 27 in Amsterdam.

One year after the crackdown on the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul, the prospects of improvements in Turkey's human rights record are bleak. The protests have unleashed the worst excesses of police violence. Those responsible for the abuses are not brought to justice, whilst peaceful demonstrators are prosecuted and harassed. The threat of recurrent violence is imminent, as police officers have noticed they will not be held accountable for their acts anyway.

At this first anniversary of the Gezi Park protests, does the violent reaction to the protests indicate the beginning of a downward spiral towards repression reminiscent of the dark days in Turkey's recent history? The attempts to bring down social media does not bode well.

How can we protect human rights in Turkey? How can international pressure ever be effective when the Turkish leadership successfully uses trump cards such as 'foreign conspiracy'?

Amnesty International and Turkije Instituut present a public event, Tuesday 27th of May at Podium Mozaïek, Amsterdam. 20:00 - 21:30.

Repression in Turkey in historical perspective

● Joost Lagendijk, columnist with the Turkish dailies Zaman and Today's Zaman

Has an articulate generation risen which will change the country?

● Cengiz Aktar, columnist, professor in political science at Istanbul Policy Center and one of the initiators of the Taksim Platform.
● Ece Milli, Amnesty Turkey Campaign Coordinator

How can international pressure promote compliance with human rights?

● Several Dutch members of the European and the Dutch Parliament
● Lily Sprangers, Director Turkey Institute, Leiden-Netherlands
● Representatives of HOGIAF, association of Turkish entrepreneurs in the Netherlands

When: Tuesday 27 May
Where: Podium Mozaïek, Amsterdam
Time: 20:00 – 21:30
Language: English
Admission: € 5,- , drink included (€ 2,50 for students and Amnesty members).
Tickets: www.podiummozaïek.nl
Moderator: Paul Brill, commentator foreign affairs de Volkskrant

Music by International GEZI Ensemble
Spoken Column by Nilgün Yerli