In Turkey, criticism an expensive business

Thanks for your insight on what appears to be a clash of titans in Turkey. One point that perhaps could be the subject of supplemental reporting: is there any validity to the government's tax fine? More specifically: (a) is the fine supported by any competent evidence that the underlying fraud did, in fact occur? (b) are there any government tax regulations in place that prescribe or define the scope of fine to be levied in the event of tax fraud? and (c) is there a reasoned basis for defending the calculation of the governemnt's fine in this case? or alternatively, is there such a lack of nexus between the presumptive crime and the announced punishment that reasonable minds in Turkey only can conclude that the fine is a heavy-handed attempt by the government to muzzle opposition.

Your quotes from members of the press and groups advocating for free press rights are useful. In any follow-up piece, what do you think about including input from objective observers, e.g. tax attorneys or economists, who could shed light on the questions outlined above? An experienced Istanbul-based tax attorney or similar specialist might explain whether the charges against Dogan Yayin's media empire are legitimate, specious, or somewhere in between; that lawyer also might have insight into the (un)reasonableness of the government's fine. Similarly, an economist could address whether the fine really is likely to put the company out of business relative to the total assets of the media group, and the degree (if any) to which ill-gotten gains associated with the alleged fraud should be a part of the calculus.

Again, thanks for your input on a vital news subject -- not only from the vantage of press rights, but relative to Turkey and the pivotal role it plays in Euro-Middle East affairs. Given that the United States government is counting on Turkey as a strategic ally to help sort out difficulties in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, etc., Americans would do well to learn more about this extraordinary nation.

Keep up the great work!
-Richard Blau

Aydın Dogan is probably one of the most hated businessman in Turkey. Everyone knows He puts himself even before the government, the national assembly, and the public. He supported all military coups so far happened in Turkey, guess he is a Media Boss!

"Petrol Ofisi", one of his companies which is Ex- State Petrolium Delivery Company, smuggled millions of tons of petrolium products. His company illegally copied anti-smuggling chemical identification remark to use in his smuggled petrolium products. These are proven guilds in Turkish Courts.