Expressing concern over the challenges facing democratic values, civil rights, and the concept of an open society, the Congress urged the government to remain within constitutional bounds.
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The Congress has drawn attention to the government's recent steps towards freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the rule of law. Expressing concern over the challenges to democratic values, civil rights and the concept of an open society, the Congress has urged the government to remain within constitutional bounds.
Making public the decision of the central working meeting on Wednesday, the Congress has said that freedom of expression is the soul of democracy. The Congress has been steadfast and struggling since its inception on the belief that citizens should be able to express their views freely in a fearless environment.
The Congress has concluded that self-censorship is increasing among citizens due to the fear of cyber lynching, misuse of social media and pressure on critical expression in recent days.
The meeting concluded that the protests held on 23 and 24 Bhadra were not only aimed at a corruption-free society and good governance but also in favor of freedom of expression. In accordance with the spirit of the protest, Stressing that the government should institutionalize open debate and criticism, the Congress has warned that any attempt to narrow public debate would be against democratic values.
In its decision on press freedom, the meeting has clearly stated that equality is the essence of the Constitution, freedom is its cornerstone, and press freedom is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. In this context, stating that equal treatment should be given to government and private media, the decision to deprive private media of government advertisements has been deemed a serious blow to constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, the Congress has said that the state must follow the legal process while conducting investigations and that selective behavior is unacceptable.
It has stated that sufficient evidence and legal basis are required while issuing arrest warrants in criminal cases. The meeting has said that it appears that steps have been taken in haste without sufficient evidence, with the aim of gaining popularity, and without meeting the necessary legal standards.
The Congress has urged the government to be sensitive to the violation of civil liberties, saying that such actions could create a situation of illegal detention.
