Journalist Dicle Müftüoğlu, recently released after 306 days of detention, was the inaugural guest on Yıldız Tar's "Söz Hakkı," a new program focused on freedom of speech and journalism issues. The show, airing Thursdays at 7 p.m. on the MLSA TV YouTube channel, kicked off its first episode on March 7 with Müftüoğlu, Co-President of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and an editor at Mezopotamya News Agency (MA).
Müftüoğlu, who was charged with “founding and leading an organization” and “membership in an organization” based on her journalistic activities, discussed various forms of censorship and repression against journalists in Turkey, including arrests, trials, and information access restrictions. “For ten months, they held us captive to hide the truth, to prevent us from writing the truth. I am a journalist and will continue to practice my profession to the fullest,” she declared.
She highlighted how journalistic activities are being criminalized and portrayed as organizational activities by those in power, who are, in her words, “afraid of the truth. We expose the realities, and they are disturbed by these truths.”
The program also delved into the global attention drawn to the pressure faced by journalists not only in Turkey but internationally. The criminalization of journalistic activities and its impact on the flow of information in society were discussed. Another focal point of the program was the government's control mechanisms over the media and their effects on public opinion.
Müftüoğlu emphasized the need for collective and persistent efforts to protect the freedom and independence of journalism, underscoring the importance of a united struggle among freedom of expression institutions and journalists. "Söz Hakkı" vows to continue giving a voice to those advocating for press freedom.
To watch the episode featuring Müftüoğlu from March 7, viewers can visit the program’s link.
