Two Journalists Complain of Threats From AKP

The case, where owner of the "Haber 49" newspaper Emrullah Özbey complained of threats by relatives of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) local MP Medeni Yılmaz had continued yesterday.

On another account, Kocaeli "4 Temmuz" newspaper reporter Türkan Pampal has complained that local AKP members' pressures.

Pampal said: "I joined a demonstration organized by unions as a reaction to the government's health policies. Following the demonstration, AKP local youth organization leader and administrators threatened me".

She applied to the Public Prosecutor's Office, claiming that her right to life is scrutinized but haven't received an reply since three weeks.

Pampal also alleged that administrators are pressuring her and her relatives.

No reconciliation

Özbey had said that he had been threatened by MP Yılmaz's relatives following a commentary published in his newspaper, criticizing the administration.

The defendants rejected allegations. They confirmed that they encountered the journalist and inquired about his writings but rejected claims that they physically or verbally insulted or harassed him.

Both parties turned down the court's proposal for reconciliation. As a result, the case was deferred to May 8.(EÖ/EÜ)