A conference titled “The Intersection of Constitutional Freedom of Expression and Social Media” was organized by the Supreme Court of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as part of the events marking the 60th anniversary of the Turkish Cypriot judiciary. This significant event was held to commemorate the Turkish Cypriot judiciary’s deep-rooted sixty-year history and to examine the constitutional dimensions of freedom of expression within the framework of contemporary legal understanding.

The conference, held on 8 November 2025 at the Cratos Hotel in Kyrenia, began with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by a video presentation outlining the history and development of the Turkish Cypriot judiciary. The video visually depicted the evolution of the judiciary since its establishment, the legal professionals and judges who have served over the years, the historical transformation of courthouse buildings, and the structure of today’s judicial system.

The event was attended not only by members of the judiciary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but also by representatives of high judicial bodies and academics from the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Judge of the European Court of Human Rights, Prof. Dr. Saadet Yüksel, also participated in the conference and shared her insights and evaluations.

In his opening speech, President of the Supreme Court Mr. Bertan Özerdağ emphasized that the sixty-year accumulation of the Turkish Cypriot judiciary constitutes the foundation of the rule of law. He stated that the Turkish Cypriot judiciary has produced distinguished legal professionals, pioneered modern legal understanding, and displayed a development worthy of its sixty-year history. President Özerdağ also drew attention to the history and institutional strength of the Turkish Cypriot judiciary, noting that this legacy is the cornerstone of the Turkish Cypriot public’s trust in the justice system.

President Özerdağ stressed that freedom of expression in the digital age must be evaluated within the framework of constitutional guarantees and ethical responsibilities, stating: “Freedom of expression, safeguarded by a democratic social order, includes not only the individual’s right to freely articulate their thoughts but also society’s right to access accurate information.”

Within the scope of the conference, European Court of Human Rights Judge Prof. Dr. Saadet Yüksel evaluated the topic of social media and freedom of expression within the framework of European Court of Human Rights case law. Yüksel emphasized that maintaining the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of private life in the digital age is one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic society.

During the second part of the conference, moderated by Supreme Court Judge Ms. Bahar Duatepe, presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Sultan Üzeltürk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Demet Çelik Ulusoy, and Prof. Dr. Artun Avcı on topics such as respect for family life, the right to be forgotten, and constitutional principles on social media.

Participants highlighted that the right to freedom of expression is one of the essential elements of a democratic society and drew attention to the importance of national and international judicial decisions regarding the protection of this right in the digital era.

The event, organized specifically for the 60th anniversary of the Turkish Cypriot judiciary, concluded with expressions of gratitude to the participants, the presentation of gifts, and a group photo session. At the end of the conference, consensus was reached on strengthening cooperation among judicial institutions and continuing joint efforts in the field of freedom of expression.