Journalists attacked in Antalya and Nevşehir

* Photos: yenialanya.com and nevsehirkenthaber.com

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An attack was launched against Nevşehir Journalists Association. The vehicle of the association, which was parked in front of its building, was set on fire by an unidentified person or persons in an attack of arson at night. While the fire brigade teams could put out the fire, the vehicle has burned to such an extent that it cannot be used any longer.

Examining the surveillance cameras, the security forces detained two people in relation with the incident. The suspects were reportedly referred to courthouse following their deposition at the police department.

Making a statement about the attack, Journalists' Federation of Turkey (TGF) Secretary General and Nevşehir Journalists Association Chair Bayram Ekici has said, "We strongly condemn the attack that was carried out against the vehicle of our association, thus against the journalists in Nevşehir." Ekici has also added that they believe the attack was premeditated.

"This heinous attack that was launched to intimidate journalists in Nevşehir will not make us step back from our work. We will keep working for the good of this city," Ekici has indicated further.

Armed attack against journalist's house

An armed attack was launched against the residence of Yakup Kocabaş, a journalist from the Dim Medya Gazipaşa Temsilcisi local newspaper based in Antalya province. In the attack carried out yesterday (August 25), the windows of the journalist's house were shattered.

There are reportedly no casualties.

Witnesses have stated that the assaulters came in a white vehicle at around 3.30 a.m., stopped the vehicle and opened fire on the 2-storey building. They left the scene of the incident afterwards. While Kocabaş was not at home during the incident, his spouse and children were sleeping in the other room and they survived the attack without getting wounded.

The examinations of security forces show that the assaulters fired three shots, which shattered the windows of the living room.

While the police have started a comprehensive investigation into the attack, in his deposition to the police, Kocabaş has said that the assaulters might be a person or persons that he previously reported in his news. Saying that he is being threatened due to his news, Kocabak has added:

"Something similar happened to me before. I do not have anything against people personally. In our news that we have recently reported, we have displayed a struggle against the ones who exploit our district and engage in illegal activities. What I care about is our district and the future of our people. I will not step back from my struggle in spite of all this pressure." (HA/SD)