In The Spotlight

March 2007 | Ratings Update

Following the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in January, international attention has focused on rising support for ultra-nationalism within Turkey. And, while there is only limited domestic support for scrapping controversial Article 301 of the constitution that criminalises criticism of the Turkish state - under which Dink was convicted in 2005 - Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has stated that the law will be reviewed. Though it is unlikely to be scrapped at present, the law, which is incompatible with EU human rights legislation, colours international perceptions of Turkey, and a review could help address opposition within the EU to the accession process.

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