The reactions against the heavy sentence handed down to journalist Vedat Kursun are unanimous: this sentence is a sentence that hit all journalists and freedom of expression. Vedat Kursun, former editorial manager of the Kurdish Azadiya Welat newspaper, was charged with "membership of the PKK organization" and "spreading propaganda for an illegal organization" by the 5th High Criminal Court of Diyarbakýr (south-eastern Turkey), last Thursday. Kurþun received a prison sentence of 166 years and six months.

Colleagues from different news papers, journalist organizations, associations, trade unions and some other NGOs have made statements in which they express their worries and alarm.

Ercan Ipekci, of the Journalist Trade Union of Turkey reminded that there are 40 journalists in prison and hundreds of cases in the courts.

Ahmet Abakay, of the Contemporary Reporters Association, said that the biggest obstacle to freedom of expression is indeed the Anti-Terrorism.