1. The Committee of
Ministers reiterates its unwavering attachment to freedom of the
media and the free exercise of journalism as key components of a
democratic society. It recalls the obligation for all Council of Europe
member States to respect the right to freedom of expression in accordance
with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It also
recalls its Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4 to member States on the
protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media
actors.
2. During the Ministers' Deputies' examination of Mr Villumsen's
written question, the delegation of Turkey indicated that Turkish
legislation and practice complied with international law, including
in respect of the “European Agreement on regulations governing the
movement of persons between member States of the Council of Europe”,
whose Article 6 stipulates that “Each Contracting Party reserves
the right to forbid nationals of another Party whom it considers
undesirable to enter or stay in its territory”, as well as in respect
of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on
the “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist
acts”. The delegation of Turkey also stressed that the legitimate
decisions to deny entry are based on established facts and have
no relevance to the status of the persons in question.
