MLSA and 10 press organizations have condemned allegations that journalists produced news coverage in exchange for money following the leadership change within Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
In a joint statement, the organizations said the claims, which they said were unsupported by any evidence, were targeting journalists and undermining the credibility of the profession. They called on those making the allegations either to present evidence backing their claims or to stop making such statements.
Press organizations said unfounded allegations against journalists undermine both professional credibility and press freedom.
The statement said:
“Following the leadership change within the Republican People’s Party (CHP), allegations have been made that journalists either did or did not produce news coverage in exchange for money, despite the absence of any information or evidence supporting such claims.
After today’s CHP Party Assembly meeting, these allegations were repeated by a person alleged to be an adviser to the party spokesperson.
Casting suspicion on journalists who work to uphold the public’s right to information, targeting their professional reputations, and accusing them publicly without presenting any evidence harms press freedom.
If there is concrete information or documentation regarding these allegations, it should be shared with the public immediately. Otherwise, these baseless accusations and insinuations targeting journalists must come to an end.
As press organizations, we condemn approaches that cast aspersions on journalism and our colleagues. We call on all individuals and institutions to refrain from accusatory rhetoric and statements that target journalists.”
Press Council
Çağdaş Gazeteciler Derneği
DİSK Basın-İş
Ekonomi Muhabirleri Derneği
Gazeteciler Cemiyeti
İzmir Gazeteciler Cemiyeti
KESK Haber-Sen
Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği
Parlamento Muhabirleri Derneği
Türkiye Foto Muhabirleri Derneği
Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası
