Journalists’ Organisations Protest against Ergenekon Pressure

During the eleventh wave of arrests in the Ergenekon investigation yesterday (22 January) the buildings of Avrasya Radio and Television (ART) and the Turkish Metal Workers’ Trade Union were searched in Ankara.

The Turkish Journalists’ Trade Union (TGS) and the Contemporary Journalists’ Association (ÇGD) have now reacted with statements in which they express their worry that basic rights are being violated.

"Worried about increasing pressure"

The TGS expressed its belief in the independence of the judiciary, but stated that the political government was not showing the same neutrality: “We are worried about the future of democracy, we worry that basic rights and freedoms are being violated. We are also worried about the increasing pressure being put on the press and the freedom of expression.”

The ÇGD said: “Practices show that the government is not trying to get rid of this structure (Ergenekon), but rather, is protecting it and shaping it in a way that will benefit its political aims.”

"Government is using Ergenekon for its own ends"

The TGS trade union expressed its concern that the Ergenekon trial was not being used to expose and prosecute criminal structures within the state, but rather that the government was using it to put pressure on intellectuals, media organs, democratic mass organisations, and, most recently, trade unions and the labour movement.

“Our worries are increased by the fact that the confidentiality of the investigation is being violated, that the names of some people arrested were previously given in some of the media, and that the statements given to the police immediately make their way into some broadcasts and publications.”

In the written statement, ÇGD president Ahmet Abakay accused the government of using the Ergenekon investigation as an excuse to prevent ART from broadcasting: “We strongly condemn the pressure put on Avrasya TV and the broadcasting obstruction.”

“The fact that Avrasya TV opposes the government with its broadcasts and criticises the government shows us what is behind this police operation. The Ergenekon trial has turned into an intimidation device to threaten the press, mass organisations, and the people in general.” (EÖ/AG)