On World Press Freedom Day, journalists İpek Özbey, Çiğdem Toker, Ali Topuz, and Barış Avşar discussed the truth during an era dominated by propaganda. The event, held at the Nippon Hotel in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, was organized by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and the Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS). It also featured Dicle Müftüoğlu, the co-president of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association, who was detained for 306 days before being released.
Müftüoğlu on judicial harrassment of Kurdish journalists
Dicle Müftüoğlu delivered a message during the event thanking those who showed solidarity during her trial. She addressed the judicial sanctions against Kurdish journalists, stating, "This judicial harassment dates back to the era of the Kürdistan newspaper, beginning from the first moment with the interference and obstruction by the authorities."
Müftüoğlu highlighted that Kurdish journalists are targeted for simply portraying the unseen realities of their communities, and asserted their commitment to continue informing society despite the discomfort it may cause to the powers that be.
Truth in the days of propaganda panel
After Müftüoğlu's speech, the panel titled "Turth in the days of propaganda" started under moderation of journalist İpek Özbey.
During the panel, Duvar Editor-in-Chief Barış Avşar discussed the rise of internet media, particularly noting its significant role during the Gezi Park protests, which marked a turning point in recognizing the power of online journalism.
Veteran finance journalist and T24 columnist Çiğdem Toker spoke about the financial aspects of propaganda, tracing current media ownership issues back to the corrupt media and government relationships of the 1990s. She pointed out how the AKP government, upon gaining power, found a fragile media landscape which it systematically transformed to its advantage, particularly through steps taken in 2008, 2013, and 2018.
Ali Topuz, General Editor of Artı Gerçek, reflected on the evolution of propaganda techniques from the 1990s to the present, emphasizing how the state has always been the most potent propagandist due to its control over media.
The panel, moderated by journalist İpek Özbey, highlighted the continuous struggle for truth and integrity in journalism against a backdrop of increasing state control and propaganda.
