TGS: Police Wounds 13 Journalists, Detains 2
Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS) condemned Saturday night’s police violence on journalists and thousands of people who assembled after an appeal by Taksim Solidarity that said “We are entering our park”. TGS is expected to file an official complaint to Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office today.
Police executed force to prevent the use of basic rights and freedoms, a TGS statement said. “13 journalists have been injured by police baton, rubber bullets and gas bomb canister.”
According to tolls released by TGS, Aydınlık newspaper journalists Beste Gül Öneren and Selçuk Özmen still remain under police detention.
“We condemn the police violence on civilians who peacefully wanted to use their democratic rights to express themselves and journalist who perform their profession.”
"Governor committed a constitutional violation again”
The statement went on to demand the immediate release of those civilians and journalists who were detained:
“Istanbul Governor committed another constitutional violation by ordering the police to exercise force on civilians and journalists by the encouragement of the government.
We protest the authorities who cause this violence scenes by disregarding democratic and pro-freedom demands of the people. We complain PM to history and international community for the crimes against humanity he has committed.”
"We are concerned about our country’s future”
“This totalitarian mentality is even considering to wage a war on its people on the ground to disperse peaceful demonstrations. It is increasing our worries on the future of our country.
“We are calling state officials from all decision-making positions to use their duties and competencies to stop the government from exercising these pro-violence policies.
“Any attack on press representatives is violation against people’s right to be informed. It is impossible to ensure freedom in a country without restoring press and expression freedom. In order to overcome these challenges, it is crucial that press staff and people must combat for press freedom in solidarity.
According to tolls released by TGS, Aydınlık newspaper journalists still remain under police detention. The names of injured journalists were listed as follows:
* BirGün newspaper journalist Onur Erem has been battened by police even though he showed his press ID.
* Freelance journalist Evrim Kurdoğlu has been battened by police.
* Sözcü newspaper journalist Eda Sönmez experienced a temporary blindness due to gas bomb.
* A gas bomb canister has injured the chin of Özcan Yaman - Evrensel newspaper journalist.
* Milliyet newspaper journalist Yunus Dalgıç has been pushed in front of a TOMA and injured. His camera lens has been broken.
* Milliyet newspaper journalist Arif Balkan has been hit by rubber bullets.
* Newspaper columnist Tuğçe Tatari has been attacked and insulted by police.
* Halk TV journalist Makbule Cengiz has been attacked by police. Her arms suffered from bruises.
* Ulusal Kanal journalist Şengül Derin has been hit by rubber bullets in the leg.
* Sol Newspaper journalist Dilem Taştan has been hit by a rubber bullet in the leg.
* Gerçek Gündem newspaper journalist Barış Yarkadaş has been hit by rubber paint bullets.
* bianet journalist Elif Akgül has been hit by a rubber paint bullet.
* IMC TV journalist Gökhan Biçici has been hit by a rubber paint bullet. (EA/BM)