“Journalist Aygün Must Be Freed"

Several photo journalists across Turkey assembled this afternoon to urge authorities to increase efforts for Bünyamin Aygün, a photo journalist at Milliyet newspaper who has been abducted in Syria 27 days ago.

The demonstration was held simultaneously in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Trabzon after an appeal by Photo Journalists Association of Turkey (TMFD). 

Holding banners saying “Freedom to Bünyamin Aygün” both in English and Turkey, demonstrating journalists chanted the slogan “Bünyamin Aygün is not alone!” 

Syria became the most dangerous place on earth for journalists. Since March 2011, at least 25 journalists died,”TMFD Istanbul representative Murad Sezer said in a statement. 

“Journalists are impartial. All their efforts are to inform the public. Our colleagues carry cameras in their shoulders and around their necks risking their lives. They are working on to inform the world about the misery in Syria.” Journalists urged the government, opposition parties and foreign ministry officials to increase their efforts for the quick return of Aygün to his family, colleagues and beloved ones. (DBN/EA/BM)