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The Initiative for Freedom of Expression used a civil disobedience approach that involved voluntarily selecting to republish state-banned materials to ridicule restrictions on freedom of expression.  The tactic was implemented in order to make many people participate in the “crime” so the action no longer appeared a crime.  They tried to force prosecution in order to bring attention to Turkish laws that were violating freedom of expression and to bring about amendments or changes to these laws and then make the judicial mechanisms exercise the essence of the law. The Initiative for Freedom of Expression used a civil disobedience approach that involved voluntarily selecting to republish state-banned materials to ridicule restrictions on freedom of expression.  The tactic was implemented in order to make many people participate in the “crime” so the action no longer appeared a crime.  They tried to force prosecution in order to bring attention to Turkish laws that were violating freedom of expression and to bring about amendments or changes to these laws and then make the judicial mechanisms exercise the essence of the law.

The campaign began in 1995 when a well-known writer in Turkey wrote a book about the Kurdish population and was accused of writing separatist propaganda. People spontaneously went to the court to support this writer. A campaign was started with 85 signatories—many who were very respectable and prominent in their own fields. In an effort to draw attention to the absurdity of Article 162 of the media law, the Turkish law used to try both writers and publishers, there were ten “Freedom of Thought” articles printed on March 8, 1995 with 1,080 signatures.

The “books” sold very rapidly. Publishers acknowledged that they didn’t agree with the content but believed in free thought. There were 185 accused and even though the prosecutor demanded that the case be stopped because Article 8 of the anti-terror law and a number of other laws used to bring the cases to court were being reviewed by the constitutional court but the judges did not agree. The case gained international notoriety when authors from 20 countries from the Professional Authors Association came to support the accused. Subsequently, a book was published that included 19 authors form 12 countries. The case lasted 2 ½ years when a special law was instituted—those convicted and sentenced under Article 162 of the media law will have their sentence suspended.  However, if they committed such a crime again, their sentence would be carried out. Publishers claimed that this law did not apply to them and their penalties have been postponed.

Through the re-publication of texts that had been banned, those who became signatories and published the works again participated in the “crime.” For each publication, volunteer publishers were sought. Each week booklets containing one banned article were published. Publications were chosen for re-publication based upon two criteria.  The text should not encourage crime or violence, and should not include insulting language or hatred.

The civil disobedience was able to expand through the use of media, and famous people (other authors, actors, musicians, etc.).  International people have provided support and communication networks of professional organizations. Volunteers gave financial support and the signatories had to spend for their own expenses related to their cases.   .  

A number of problems emerged with the implementation of the tactic.  Many prominent people did not have charges brought against them, while those not well known were tried, convicted, sentenced and jailed.  Also, government procedures were not always followed. For example, some were acquitted even by the military court but this did not set a precedent because others were still convicted. Laws were applied based upon individual discretion.

More than 80,000 were involved in carrying out the tactic.  There was no formal organization, no executive board, office or official membership.  The approach has been used on an on-going basis for 8.5 years resulting in 1,148 arrests. 108 radio and TV stations have been closed, 169 publications have been prohibited or confiscated and 108 billion Turkish Lira levied in fines. In addition, 17 teachers were suspended, 296 students were banned from school, 74 students were dismissed from school and 55 students were prosecuted.