article_snippet: We could have at least slaughtered a journalist.
article_snippet: The ruling comes amid an increase in criminal cases lodged against journalists, students and public figures for "defamation against a public officer.
article_snippet: The Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, Nils Muižnieks, expressed Nils Muižnieks concern about The ruling.
article_snippet: This sentence is misguided and, along with a pattern of criminal prosecutions, sends a chilling message to media professionals and all those who want to exercise their right to free expression," Muižnieks said.
article_snippet: Ann Harrison of freedom of press advocacy group PEN International told CNN, "We have long called for decriminalization of defamation, particularly of state officials, as to criminalize criticism of authorities severely stifles reporting and public debate.
article_snippet: Ann Harrison of freedom of press advocacy group PEN International Ann Harrison of freedom of press advocacy group PEN International noted that special mandates from the United Nations, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Organization of American States have called for the abolishment of criminal defamation laws.
article_snippet: We hope the case will be the last example of the intimidation effort on free thought.
highlights_snippet: Press advocates express concern about criminal defamation laws in Turkey .