Jagland appreciates efforts exerted by Turkey

Speaking at the opening of the High Level Conference on Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Turkey on Tuesday, Council of Europe Secretary-General Thorbjorn Jagland said that protecting journalists and freedom of expression was protecting democracy. "The common challenge is not just about the changing of laws to achieve greater freedom of expression but also about raising awareness of those who interpret the laws. That is why, in the framework of the project, the Ministry of Justice has been carrying out a project in cooperation with the Council of Europe. Turkish judges and prosecutors now regularly visit the Strasbourg court to familiarize themselves with its case law in the area of freedom of expression. Study visits are also being organized to member states, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany," Jagland said. Revealing his appreciation for the efforts exerted by Turkey to harmonize its legislation with the EU, Jagland said that he was expecting the enactment of the 4th judicial reform package. Following the press conference, Jagland and the accompanying delegation were also received by President Abdullah Gul at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin was also present at the meeting.