Local journalist attacked in Bursa

* Photo: Yörem newspaper

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Şaban Önen, Bursa-based Karacabey Yörem Newspaper's Grant Holder, was attacked in the Municipality's Truck Garage at around 2 p.m. the other day (August 19). Business owners Serkan A. and Batuhan E. and two other unidentified persons battered Önen, who was then taken to the Karacabey Public Hospital. Treated there, Önen is reportedly in good health now.

As reported by the newspaper itself, Serkan A., who is allegedly a relative of ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) Karacabey Mayor Ali Özkan, told the journalist during the attack: "How did you dare to write about my maternal uncle who is the mayor?" According to Önen, the assaulter also said, "My uncle is a man among men."

Speaking to the newspaper, Önen has said, "I have filed a complaint against the assaulters, especially Serkan A. As this incident involving these 3-5 impertinent people under the disguise of shopkeepers is now passed to the court, I do not want to make any further comments."

Şaban Önen has also shared details about what kind of pressures they face while practicing their profession in the local:

"While we were doing journalism, sometimes, our ads were cut as a punishment because we reported news disliked by the elected, sometimes, we were subjected to the insulting words of bootlickers on social media, calling us douche and liar, sometimes, we were attacked with knives and sticks, sometimes, they sweared us on the phone..."

Noting that "there is a deliberate attempt to polarize people in Karacabey," Önen has reiterated his determination to "write about the truths by gaining more strength with an honest and principled understanding of news."

Journalism organizations condemn the attack

The attack on Şaban Önen has also been denounced by the Reporters Without Border (RSF) and Anatolian Journalists Union (AGB).

While RSF Representative to Turkey Erol Önderoğlu has noted that "it is only when the authorities are not mere spectators to violence, such attacks can be prevented from becoming more widespread," AGB Chair Orhan Efe has condemned the attack, underlining that "journalists are frequently subjected to attacks because of their articles, news and commentaries."

"Violence, brutal force and threat cannot be accepted in any way," he has noted, adding that "no attack can silence the Anatolian press." (HA/SD)