Solidarity Network against Censorship prepared a report named “Reflection of War on Press in 40 Days” and released to the public with Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK). The report includes violations of the law between July 27 and August 28.
The report says, 2,544 people were detained, 338 people were arrested, 137 people died, 130 regions of 15 provinces were declared as special areas in 40 days and ‘basic rights were suspended.’
Attacks against journalists and the media
Between July 27 and August 28.
* 103 websites, 23 twitter accounts were blocked. 50 URL were blocked with the attempt of a businessman, Ethem Sancak.
* 10 journalists were attacked, three journalists were threatened by the police.
* Newspapers Evrensel and Sol were threatened by Turkish Revenge Brigade (TİT). Sözcü Newspaper announced ‘they won’t be silent.’
* 20 journalists from Newspapers Hürriyet, Milliyet and HaberTürk.
21 journalists were on trial, two journalists were arrested
* Two British journalists were arrested.
* 21 journalists were put on trial since they published the images of prosecutor Mehmet Kira who was kidnapped by gunmen and they were sued for imprisonment for 157,5 years.
* A media group was raided by policemen.
Solidarity Network against Censorship said these violations and attacks should be perceived as attacks against freedom of expression and press.
Solidarity Network against Censorship
Solidarity Network against Censorship was founded on August 18, upon the suggestions of censored websites’ journalists, Journalists' Union of Turkey, DİSK’s press branch and Alternative media Association. (EA/BD)
Click here to read the article in Turkish
This publication has been produced within the partnership with Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso for the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), co-funded by the European Commission. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of IPS Communication Foundation and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.