Turkey

Name of law: Turkish Law On The Right To Information, Law No: 4982
First adopted: 2003
Last modified: n/a
RTI Rating last updated: n/a

Introduction

Turkey’s implementation of the right to information is variable, which results in a slightly below average RTI rating. Despite some areas of concern, the Turkish law has a relatively clear and wide scope that applies to all branches of government. The law has a list of exceptions that are generally consistent with international standards, despite some deviations. A substantial problem with the exceptions regime, however, is the fact that there is no public interest override with general applicability. The most notable flaw in the scheme is the law’s comparatively problematic appeals regime. Not only is there no provision allowing internal reconsideration, but the external route is also underdefined. The external appeal mechanism (i.e. "Board of Review”) only applies to certain applications that are dependent on the document type (Economical Interests of the State and State Secrets). There is also no mention of the Board’s strength or provisions protecting impartiality.

The law is also available in its Turkish original here.