Türkiye: Detained journalists must be released immediately

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the undersigned press freedom and human rights organisations are deeply concerned about the detention of seven journalists in Türkiye on 26 November, 2024. We urgently call for their immediate release.

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Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)

Journalists Roza Metina (Jinnews Kurdish Editor and President of the Mesopotamian Women Journalists Association), Ahmet Sümbül (Freelance Journalist), and Ardin Diren (Filmmaker) were detained in Diyarbakır; Erdoğan Alayumat (Freelance Journalist), Bilge Aksu (Freelance Journalist), Tuğçe Yılmaz (Bianet), and Suzan Demir (Gazete Duvar) in Istanbul; Mehmet Uçar (Freelance Journalist) in Batman; and Bilal Seçkin (Freelance Journalist) in Ankara during early morning raids. This operation also targeted numerous other individuals, including poet and longtime columnist Hicri İzgören (Yeni Yaşam Newspaper Columnist), publishing coordinator Aver Yoldaş, cartoonist Doğan Güzel (Cartoonist), translator Ömer Barasi, and filmmaker Ardin Diren, as well as several politicians and human rights defenders.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrests on social media, labeling the detainees as "suspected terrorist organization members" a statement widely criticized as prejudging guilt.

The detained journalists have been denied access to their lawyers, while the lawyers themselves have been prevented from obtaining information about the investigation due to a so-called "confidentiality order."

The detentions and lack of transparency concerning the operation underscores the escalating threats to press freedom and the ability of journalists to carry out their work freely.

Türkiye must fulfill its obligations under the Press Law, its Constitution, and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The systematic harassment and intimidation of journalists must stop immediately.

We call on the authorities to end the oppression of journalists and unjust detentions, ensure their safety, and uphold freedom of expression. Additionally, we demand the protection of journalistic activities under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Journalism is a cornerstone of any democratic society and must be safeguarded against political interference.

Signatories:

Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)

Journalists' Union of Turkey (TGS)

Association of Journalists (GC)

ARTICLE 19

Press Workers' Union

Dicle Fırat Journalists Association

Haber-Sen News Workers' Union

İzmir Journalists Association

Freedom House

Diyarbakır Local Media Association

Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

Southeastern Journalists Association (GCC)

International Press Institute (IPI)

Progressive Journalist Association

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)