Freedom of The Press in Coalition Governments: True Path Party and Social Democratic People's Party/Republican People's Party Case (1991-1996)

Abstract

The DYP-SHP/CHP coalition government between 1991 and 1996 became the longest-running coalition in Turkey. In this process, it was observed that although there were changes in the parties and the leaders that formed the government, the unity continued. During the partnership period established as a result of the agreement of parties in different ideologies, radical transformations were experienced in many areas, especially in economics and law. On the other hand, throughout the country, terrorist incidents have increased and many people were killed. In addition to these developments, significant changes and problems were experienced in the press during this period. In this context, legal arrangements made to the press and the general situation of the press were examined under the direction of the DYP-SHP/CHP coalition government within the scope of this study. This study discusses whether the press is free in the DYP-SHP/CHP coalition government. In this context, the aim of the study is to show how the freedom of the press and the laws enacted are shaped. This study is crucial since it reflects the state of the press during the DYP-SHP/CHP coalition period. In this study, the descriptive method and written sources related to the area were used. As a result of this study, it can be stated that during the period of the DYP-SHP/CHP coalition government, intense pressure and control imposed on the press were determined and freedom of the press was clearly restricted.