"For life" describes the duration, not immunity. The cancellation article of the Regulation draws no distinction between card types.
Grounds for Cancellation: Art. 38/1
A press card holder's card is cancelled by the Directorate in the following cases:
| Subpara. | Ground of cancellation |
|---|---|
| a | It emerges that the holder does not have, or has subsequently lost, the qualities in Art. 8 or Art. 9 |
| b | It emerges that the media outlet they belong to does not have, or has subsequently lost, the qualities listed in Chapter Four of the Regulation |
| c | It is established that the press card, or a card issued in connection with it, has been let out for use by someone else |
Breach of Press Ethics Principles
Art. 38/2 opens a separate route: where it is established that a card holder has acted contrary to the press ethics principles set under Art. 49 of Law No. 195, the Commission may, according to the nature of the breach and stating its reasons, warn the holder or decide to cancel the card.
Getting a Card Again After Cancellation
| Ground of cancellation | Condition for getting a card again | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Art. 38/1 (a), (b), (c) | A fresh application once the ground has disappeared | Art. 38/1, final sentence |
| Breach of press ethics principles | One year from the date of return | Art. 38/4 |
| Falling foul of subparas. (ç), (d), (e) | Action taken under Arts. 12 and/or 13/A of Law No. 5352 | Art. 38/3 |
Returning the Card
Art. 37/1: a press card is returned to the Directorate within one month in the event of a change of workplace or title, of leaving a job, and of cancellation of the card. Art. 37/4: in cases where a card must be returned, no new press card application is processed until the old card has been returned.
A Lookalike Card Has a Different Consequence
Art. 46: where it is established that a person has produced a card resembling the press cards issued by the Directorate in typesetting, background, layout, shape and colour, or has used such cards, the Directorate files a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor's office. We cover this in the guide on lookalike press cards.
Summary
- A permanent card is issued for life but is not immune from cancellation; Art. 38 does not distinguish between card types.
- Losing an Art. 8 quality, the outlet losing its qualities, and letting someone else use the card are all grounds for cancellation by the Directorate.
- Cancellation for breach of press ethics principles is decided by the Commission and carries a one-year waiting period from the date of return.
- The card does not come back by itself: a fresh application is required once the ground has disappeared.