In Europe, Turkey not alone in shielding leaders from criticism
(World News Austria)

Last Sunday, Turkish voters narrowly approved constitutional changes that observers fear will lead to authoritarian rule under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While international election observers have criticised technical aspects of the vote, Erdogan`s crackdown on the press - including the jailing of at least 150 journalists - and nurturing of a state propaganda machine had arguably tainted the campaign well in advance. Turkey`s most egregious press freedom violations have occurred following last July`s failed coup attempt, but from the onset of his presidency in 2014 Erdogan aggressively turned to criminal law to punish scrutiny of his actions and intentions. In 2015, Erdogan`s first...