Regrettably, the current legal framework in Turkey cannot adequately punish child pornographers. This web site is intended to give information illustrating the deficiencies of the law, and e-mail addresses of relevant Turkish authorities for you to contact and raise your concerns. Hopefully, if enough people let the authorities know how they feel, something will be done.
First, look at the 'News' section. In particular, the insufficient punishment given to Ozgen Imamoglu for his child pornography offences should make it clear that the legal situation needs to be changed. Last month (May 9, 2002), The United Nations 'Agreement on Human Rights Supplementary Protocol on Child Pornography and Prostitution' was finally ratified in the TBMM (Turkish Parliament). However, not even three weeks had passed when a new child pornography case was uncovered (May 28, 2002) and it became clear that the problem had not been solved. Now, the protocol's obligations must be fulfilled. Laws will be drafted, debated and passed. However, it took 20 months to ratify the protocol! No-one wants to wait that long for the new laws...
Then, check out the 'Contact' section. Let's tell the authorities that we want to see new laws passed as soon as possible. And don't forget to let ME know what you think! Is this web-site useful or am I wasting my time here?
I'm not Turkish either, but I've been living here in Turkey for a long time, and I really like the country and its people. However, when the Ozgen Imamoglu case hit the news in March, I was shocked by the inadequate punishment and initially quite disillusioned. Looking at that case, and others, it might seem to an outsider that Turkey doesn't care about its children. Nothing could be further from the truth! Children are extremely important to Turkish people. And if the legal framework does not yet fully protect them, you have to bear in mind that - to my knowledge - this is the first case of child pornography in Turkey, whereas the problem has been in many other countries for much longer.
Turkey has been undergoing many changes recently while trying to be accepted by the European Union. It is also just emerging from a serious economic crisis. Consequently, the government has been kept very busy, pushing the children's rights issue onto the sidelines. I suspect this is why the UN Protocol has been ignored for so long. If you contact any Turkish authorities to request action, please bear all of this in mind. Yes, something must be done, but don't be overly critical - instead, suggest a positive course of action. Try to understand that Turkey has been going through a difficult time.
Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi
Insan Haklarini Inceleme Komisyonu
Bakanliklar 06543 ANKARA
Turkey
Anyone who believes that any fundamental right or freedom has been violated can apply to the Commission by fax or letter. After enough information about the subject has been given in the application, the applicant's name-surname and address must be written clearly. No action will be taken for applications which do not include a name and surname, address or signature.
Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi
Dilekce Komisyonu
Bakanliklar 06543 ANKARA
Turkey
If you find child pornography on the Internet, I am NOT the person to contact. Please contact Interpol at the above e-mail address.
That's me. Let me know your opinions on the situation here in Turkey, and if you think this page is useful. Tell me about any errors, and make suggestions for improvements!