Turkey: multiple journalists arrested on terrorism charges
At least 21 Kurdish journalists have been detained following police raids.
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists and sister unions in calling for the release of media workers arrested in Turkey.
On 8 June, police raided the homes of Kurdish journalists as part of an investigation into the promotion of terrorist activities. Those detained worked for the Jin news website, production company Pel, the Dicle Firat Journalists’ Association (DCFJA), and pro-Kurdish organisation; Mezopotamya News Agency.
Denouncing the arrests, Serdar Altan, DCFJA co-chair, stated reporting on the country’s elections, military operations and the economic crisis may be behind reasons they had taken place. He added “journalists will not be silenced.”
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general Secretary, said:
"Turkish authorities continue to crack down on journalists, accusing them of practising terrorism. The IFJ strongly opposes these arrests and stands in solidarity with all Kurdish media workers currently in prison for doing their job. We call for their immediate release and the return of all confiscated work material. Journalism is not terrorism."