EU lawmakers condemn Turkey media crackdown, say democratic reforms in decline

BRUSSELS – European Union lawmakers have condemned Turkey for cracking down on media freedom, saying the government's response to corruption allegations raises questions about its commitment to democracy.

Parliamentarians said Thursday in a resolution that Ankara's actions have "cast serious doubts on the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, and demonstrated an increasing intolerance of political opposition, public protest and critical media."

The resolution was passed by a show of hands, without any official count.

The lawmakers condemned police raids on media outlets and the arrest of journalists, called for defendants' rights to be respected and expressed concern about "backsliding in democratic reforms."

Turkey is a candidate for EU membership. The resolution called on the EU to extend more assistance to Turkey's independent media and civil society groups.