Davutoğlu Reacts Against Freedom of Press Question

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Die Welt Berlin reporter, Deniz Yücel has asked Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu about freedom of the press and imprisoned journalists in Turkey in the press statement following the meeting between Davutoğlu and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Davutoğlu reiterated his previous answer:

“There is no journalist in prisons of Turkey over journalism activities”.

Journalist Yücel posed the following question to Merkel:

“You had directed criticisms against Turkey during Gezi protests three years ago. Things haven’t changed by now. For instance, as to freedom of expression, Turkey ranks 195th. Erdem Gül and another one are in prison. There are human rights violations in Silopi and Cizre. Security forces have been reportedly acting against anyone including civilians. Germany has relapsed into silence. What can you tell about these?”

Scolding to journalists from PM

Davutoğlu responded, “The press meeting is between two prime ministers but a third press release occurred. Essentially a political statement has been made”.

Davutoğlu saying “We respect that” said, “It is important to do these by looking in the Turkish PM’s face. The question contains accusations going beyond many criticisms. Everyone in Turkey may rise criticism against me or the government”.

“None of the journalists in prison are jailed for journalism activities. Having yellow press card doesn’t immunize from crime”, added Davutoğlu.

Yücel had been detained along with a group of journalists earlier for asking Urfa Governor İzzettin Küçük “There are reportedly ISIS (Islamic state of Iraq and Syria) members in Akçakale, is that true?” (EA/TK)

*Photo: Halil Sarıkaya /AA