Representatives from the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) visited four journalists held in pretrial detention in Turkey, sharing messages of solidarity and receiving updates on their health and legal status.
MLSA Co-Director Attorney Veysel Ok and legal unit member Attorney Batıkan Erkoç visited journalists Joakim Medin, Yıldız Tar and Ercüment Akdeniz at Silivri Prison, officially known as Marmara Prison, located outside Istanbul. Journalist Elif Akgül, held at Bakırköy Women's Closed Prison in Istanbul, was visited by MLSA’s Attorney Hazal Sümeli.
The jailed journalists were reported to be in good health and reiterated their desire to be released as soon as possible. Swedish journalist Kaj Joakim Medin expressed satisfaction over his release in a case where he was charged with insulting the president, a controversial law in Turkey that has led to numerous prosecutions. Medin also voiced hope for a similar release in another case in which he is accused of membership in a terrorist organization. That case was transferred from Ankara to Istanbul after a ruling of lack of jurisdiction.
Yıldız Tar said that her indictment has been sent to a court in Ankara, and no trial date has been set yet. Despite the uncertainty of the legal process, she affirmed her commitment to journalism and defended her professional work.
Ercüment Akdeniz noted that his court hearing is scheduled for July 31, and said he is eager to respond to the charges against him. Elif Akgül, meanwhile, stated that her lawyers have not yet received her indictment and that it is still under review. She said she wants to learn the accusations against her as soon as possible.
During the visits, the MLSA team also conveyed messages of support from the public and the journalists' colleagues.
The detention of journalists remains a highly sensitive issue in Turkey, where press freedom has sharply declined in recent years. Rights groups and international observers have repeatedly criticized the Turkish government for using anti-terror laws and defamation charges to silence dissenting voices.
