|
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and the undersigned press freedom and human rights organizations are deeply concerned about the detention of seven journalists in Turkey on November 26, 2024. We urgently call for their immediate release.
Jinnews Kurdish Editor and President of the Mesopotamian Women Journalists Association Roza Metina and journalist Ahmet Sümbül were detained in Diyarbakır; journalists Erdoğan Alayumat , Bilge Aksu , Tuğçe Yılmaz and Suzan Demir in Istanbul; Mehmet Uçarin Batman; and Bilal Seçkin in Ankara during early morning raids. This operation also targeted numerous other individuals, including poet and longtime columnist Yeni Yaşam Newspaper Columnist Hicri İzgören, publisher Aver Yoldaş, cartoonist Doğan Güzel, translator Ömer Barasi, and filmmaker Ardin Diren, as well as several politicians and human rights defenders.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrests on social media, labeling the detainees as “suspected terrorist organization members” a statement widely criticized as prejudging guilt.
The detained journalists have been denied access to their lawyers, while the lawyers themselves have been prevented from obtaining information about the investigation due to a so-called “confidentiality order.”
The detentions and lack of transparency concerning the operation underscores the escalating threats to press freedom and the ability of journalists to carry out their work freely.
Turkey must fulfill its obligations under the Press Law, its Constitution, and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The systematic harassment and intimidation of journalists must stop immediately.
We call on the authorities to end the oppression of journalists and unjust detentions, ensure their safety, and uphold freedom of expression. Additionally, we demand the protection of journalistic activities under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Journalism is a cornerstone of any democratic society and must be safeguarded against political interference.
Signatories:
Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS)
Association of Journalists (GC)
ARTICLE 19
DİSK Basın-İş Press Labor Union
Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG)
Haber-Sen News Workers' Union
İzmir Journalists Association
Freedom House
Diyarbakır Local Media Association
Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Southeastern Journalists Association (GCC)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Journalists’ and Meida Workers’ Union (Russia)
|
