Detained for Reporting on Coronavirus, 2 Local Journalists Released

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Detained over a new report on novel coronavirus (Covid-19), Mustafa Ahmet Oktay, the owner of Bartın-based Halk Newspaper and Pusula Newspaper, and Managing Editor Eren Sarıkaya have been released.

Barış Yarkadaş, a former MP from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and journalist, has announced the incident on Twitter:

"The accusation was odd. Taken into custody upon the instruction of the prosecutor, two journalists were accused of 'inciting the public to panic' over the news report entitled 'One physician has tested positive in Bartın.'

"In fact, the news was true. Bartın Governor's Office made a statement one hour after the journalists were detained and confirmed the news.

"The plight of the journalists did not end in spite of this. Even though the case was true and Bartın Governor's Office made a statement about the issue, the detention procedure of the journalists continued. And, on top of that, they were referred to the prosecutor's office.

"Referring to the Article 185 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), the prosecutor charged the journalists with 'inciting the public to panic.' He released them after taking their depositions."

'Ex officio action to be taken'

Press Advertisement Institution (BİK) Director General Rıdvan Duran has also made a statement about the issue:

"We all know how grave consequences can ensue any word and sentence, headline and news, commentary and article that will worry our people and disrupt public order by causing fear and panic.

"The quality of our press as a reliable news source gains importance and value in preventing any social harm to be caused by irresponsible posts that are especially shared on social media and will mislead the public."

Referring to the news reports, articles and commentaries published in newspaper and news websites within this context, Duran has announced that the BİK will take an ex officio action "in the event of the publication of any news and commentaries that are irresponsible, mislead the public, debilitate persons and institutions fighting the virus and jeopardize public order." (AS/SD)