'Cost of journalism' in Turkey: 67 journalists stood trial in December

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The Journalists' Association has released its "Cost of Journalism" report regarding the trials of journalists and the violations of rights faced by them in Turkey in a month. Prepared by project executive - journalist Hayri Demir, the report has shown that at least 67 journalists stood trial as part of 36 separate cases in 10 different provinces of Turkey in December 2021.

The 67 journalists faced 412 years, 1 month to 1,334 years, 1 month in prison and three life sentences, including two aggravated life sentences, last month. In this period, six trials were finalized and eight journalists were sentenced to 14 years, 8 months, 15 days in prison.

In December 2021, one journalist was first sentenced to 9 months in prison; the prison was then turned into a judicial fine.

25 journalists were acquitted in this period.

According to the report, the pressure on journalists was not limited to the ongoing trials. The report has demonstrated that at least 11 journalists were taken into custody in December while seven journalists were faced with new court cases and three journalists with new investigations.

(AÖ/SD)

Click here for the full report (in Turkish)