FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Latest News

• Jailed journalist Solin asked to sign document saying 'I am a member of an illegal organization'  

  IHD co-chair Eren Keskin said that journalist Esra Solin Dal was presented a paper to sign saying "I am a member of an illegal organization" in order to be moved to the ward.
• RSF: With authoritarianism gaining ground in Turkey, media pluralism is being called into question 

  With authoritarianism gaining ground in Turkey, media pluralism is being called into question. All possible means are used to undermine critics, stated the RSF.
• Co-mayors of Van react to the pressure on the press 

  Van Metropolitan Municipality co-mayors Abdullah Zeydan and Neslihan Şedal met with press representatives on the occasion of 3 May World Press Freedom and reacted against pressures.
• International organisations call for immediate release of arrested Kurdish journalists 

  International Media Freedom and Human Rights Organisations condemn the alarming surge in arrests of Kurdish journalists in Turkey.
• Bruxelles Dévie condemns raids of Kurdish TV stations in Denderleeuw  

  Bruxelles Dévie denounced the police raids which targeted the Kurdish TV stations based in Denderleeuw on 23 April, saying they were one of the attempts to suffocate the Kurdish movement in Europe.
• Belgian deputy asks minister of justice about raids targeting Kurdish media 

  Samuel Cogolati, Belgian deputy with the Ecolo-Groen group moved a question in the parliament, demanding explanation about the raids targeting Kurdish media.
• CPJ, MENA Rights Group file Urgent Action to UN on disappearance of Rojnews editor 

  CPJ and MRG filed an Urgent Action to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, asking for the Iraqi Kurdish government to clarify the fate and whereabouts of Silêman Ehmed, the editor of Rojnews Arabic Service.
• Journalist Alayumat deported to Marmara Prison 

  Journalist Erdoğan Alayumat was deported to Marmara Prison.
• Journalist Esra Solin Dal held in solitary confinement in prison 

  Journalist Esra Solin Dal, who was arrested on suspicion of terrorism, has been held in solitary confinement since her transfer to prison on 27 April. It has now also been revealed that she has been searched naked both in custody and in prison.
• Lawyer of Rojnews editor Silêman Ehmed in KDP custody prevented from meeting with his client 

  The lawyer of Rojnews editor Silêman Ehmed, who has been unlawfully held hostage for 189 days, was once again denied a meeting with his client in Duhok Asayish Prison.
• Journalist Veyisoğlu released on condition of judicial control 

  Political journalist Ekim Veyisoğlu, who was detained while covering police violence, was released on the condition of judicial control.
• Imprisoned journalist Derya Ren's release postponed for 3 months 

  Journalist Derya Ren's release was postponed for 3 months due to 'disciplinary penalty'.
• Journalist Dal subjected to strip search 

  Journalist Esra Solin Dal was recently arrested in Istanbul on “terrorist charges,” and was subjected to a strip search during her transfer to prison.
• DFG: Kurdish journalists will continue to show the unseen 

  DFG reacted against the imprisonment of 3 journalists and said, "Kurdish journalists will continue to show unseen and announce the unheard. We call for a common struggle to defend journalism."
• Demo in front of the Palace of Justice in Brussels condemns the raid on Medya Haber TV and Stêrk TV 

  The raid on Medya Haber TV and Stêrk TV studios was denounced in front of the Palace of Justice in Brussels.
• EFJ condemns raid on Kurdish TVs in Belgium 

  The European Federation of Journalists strongly condemned the show of force that accompanied the search in the studios of Kurdish television channels Stêrk TV and Medya Haber in Belgium.
• Three journalists sent to prison 

  Three journalists who were referred to the Criminal Court of Peace with a request for arrest were sent to prison. MA journalist Mehmet Aslan said: "Journalism is not a crime."
• Six of the journalists detained on Tuesday released 

  The Istanbul public prosecutor's office has requested an arrest warrant for three Kurdish journalists. Six of the nine media professionals detained in Turkey on Tuesday have been released after questioning by the public prosecutor's office.
• Workshop in Sulaymaniyah on restrictions against the Kurdish press 

  The Federation of Independent Journalists and Writers organised a workshop in Sulaymaniyah to evaluate the situation of the Kurdish press and the restrictions and pressures it faces.
• Kurdish journalists in custody asked why they write news 

  The Kurdish journalists taken into custody a few days ago, were asked about the news they wrote and their conversations with news sources.
• 'Free Press Cannot be Silenced' rally to be held in Brussels on Saturday 

  Kurdish media employees call on the Belgian press and media organisations, journalists and the entire public to oppose the injustice and to stand in solidarity with the Kurdish media.
• Prosecutor seeks prison sentence for 10 journalists working for Free Press 

  The prosecutor in the case of 10 journalists who are on trial for their professional activities in an Ankara-based investigation demanded a sentence.
• Kati Piri: Political pressure on free media must not be allowed 

  Kati Piri of the Dutch House of Representatives spoke about the police raid on Stêrk TV and Medya Haber in Belgium and said: "Political pressure on the free press should not be allowed."
• Detention period of 9 journalists extended  

  The detention period of 9 journalists who were taken into custody after house raids in Istanbul, Ankara and Urfa yesterday, has been extended.
• YJAD: Stop the attacks against Kurdish media! 

  The Democratic Alevi Women's Union condemned the attacks on the Kurdish media in Belgium and called for an end to the attacks on the free press.