EU's Lagendijk stresses the importance of a free press

Turkey-European Union Joint Parliamentary Committee Co-Chair Joost Lagendijk yesterday said that the media in Turkey, as in all countries, should be free. Speaking to Milliyet daily on a recent dispute between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Dogan media group over allegations concerning a charity association, Lagendijk said that media criticism of politicians is a part of political life which should be routine. If a prime minister believes that the media is reporting false news, the solution for that lies in the courthouse, said Lagendijk, adding that this is the usual practice in many countries. Pointing to the importance of a fair and balanced but critical press for the government, the Dutch politician warned against steps to put pressure on reporters, editors or media owners.