Right to Information

Right to Information – Lawyer in Izmir

What is the Right to Information?

The right to information, a third-generation human right, is the right of individuals to access information obtained by public institutions and organizations in the course of their duties. The right to information is particularly important for the proper implementation of democracy and the principle of transparency.

The right to access information encompasses concrete information and documents already available in public institutions and organizations. All citizens have the right to access information, while foreigners can benefit from this right within the framework of the principle of reciprocity concluded with their states of citizenship.

What should a Freedom of Information Request include?

Requests for information are made in the form of a petition containing the applicant's full name, signature, residential or business address, or, if the applicant is a legal entity, the title and address of the legal entity, the signature of the authorized person, and the authorization document. This application may also be made electronically or through other means of communication, provided that the person's identity and signature, or other information that helps to identify the source of the writing, can be legally determined.

What is the response time of the institutions?

Institutions and organizations are obligated to provide access to requested information or documents within 15 business days of a duly submitted application. However, if the requested information or document needs to be obtained from another unit within the same institution or organization; if the opinion of another institution or organization is required regarding the application; or if the content of the application concerns more than one institution or organization, access to the information or document will be provided within 30 business days. In this case, however, the extension of the period and the reason for it must be notified to the applicant in writing before the end of the 15-business-day period.

Is there a fee involved in exercising the right to information?

For copies of the first ten pages, which are made available under the Right to Information Act, no fee is charged, including postage costs.

Constitution

Article 74 – Citizens and, subject to the principle of reciprocity, foreigners residing in Türkiye have the right to submit written requests and complaints to the competent authorities and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey regarding themselves or the public. The outcome of applications concerning themselves shall be communicated to the applicants in writing without delay. Everyone has the right to access information and to appeal to the public ombudsman. The Public Ombudsman Institution, established under the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, examines complaints regarding the functioning of the administration. The Chief Public Ombudsman is elected by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey by secret ballot for a four-year term. A two-thirds majority of the total number of members is required in the first two ballots, and a simple majority in the third ballot. If a simple majority is not achieved in the third ballot, a fourth ballot is held for the two candidates who received the most votes in that ballot; the candidate who receives the most votes in the fourth ballot is elected. The manner in which the rights listed in this article are exercised, the establishment, duties, and operation of the Public Ombudsman Institution, the procedures it will follow as a result of its investigations, and the qualifications, election, and personnel rights of the Chief Public Ombudsman and public ombudsmen are regulated by law.

Right to Information Act

ARTICLE 4. — Everyone has the right to access information. Foreigners residing in Türkiye and foreign legal entities operating in Türkiye benefit from the provisions of this Law, provided that the information they request is related to themselves or their field of activity, and within the framework of the principle of reciprocity. The rights and obligations arising from international agreements to which Türkiye is a party are reserved.

You may also be interested in the following studies:;

Address: Nergis Neighborhood, Girne Boulevard No: 83, Floor 2, Apartment 2, Karşıyaka, İzmir

E-mail: info@efeshukuk.com

Phone: +90 534 415 52 56