Journalists and their trade union in Kirkuk protested Turkey's AKP government that has recently shut down over 20 Kurdish and opposition TV and radio stations.

The statement on behalf of the journalists said the followings:

“After the massacre of our people and destruction of cities in North Kurdistan, Kurdish and opposition media is being silenced at the moment. This genocidal mindset has recently shut down dozens of TV and radio stations recently. The targeted media outlets include Zarok TV, the closure of which manifests the fact that the AKP government is afraid of Kurdish cartoons even.

In a country where media – press outlets are shut down and journalists are arrested and tortured in prison, this means an obvious dictatorship in that country. This is a reason for a legitimate struggle as speaking and broadcasting in mother tongue is a basic right of every single person. In this regard, we want to state that AKP will never be able to hinder the struggle of Kurdish people in North Kurdistan who have been giving an unprecedented struggle for years now."

"NOBODY SHOULD REMAIN SILENT ON THE PRESSURES"

Another statement on behalf of Kirkuk Press Union called attention to the fact that the AKP government's attacks are being exposed in front of the whole world today thanks to communication technology, continuing as follows: "Fundamental and democratic human rights are being violated and dozens of media outlets are being closed arbitrarily to obstruct this exposure. Closing of the Zarok TV in particular should be condemned strongly and opposed. As press union and press workers in Kirkuk, we state hereby that we will not remain silent on these practices and we call on everyone that sides with national and international human rights and press freedom to fight against the AKP. This is the only way to ensure the release of jailed journalists and maintenance of the broadcast of closed media outlets. The people of Kirkuk should stand by the people of North Kurdistan against these pressures."

"EVERYONE SHOULD PUT PRESSURE ON THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT"

PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) MP Mihemed Osman who also attended the press conference described the crackdown on media in Turkey as a dictatorship, adding: "However, it should be known that all the dictators will end up in the aftermath of Saddam Husein. We will never remain silent on this dictatorship and we will stand by our people in North Kurdistan by enhancing the democracy struggle to the end. It is a basic right of everyone to express and publish their thoughts. Everyone should put pressure on the Turkish government in order for this democratic right to be used."