Journalist NGOs Protest Against Arrest of Two

Cumhuriyet daily’s Ankara bureau chief Mustafa Balbay and online Toplumsal Haber columnist Neriman Aydın are taken under custody in relation to the Ergenekon case, involving accusations of overthrowing the government. Both are sent to Metris prison.

On the other hand, journalists’ organizations condemned the arrests and expressed concern regarding the lawfulness of the ongoing investigation.

Balbay and Aydın had been taken under custody on 1 July 2008 and were released following prosecution’s interrogation. Nonetheless, the indictment of the prosecution is yet to be revealed. It’s not known what prompted the recent arrests. If accusations turn into a case, both journalists would be tried with life sentences.

Turkey’s Society of Journalists (TGC) chair Orhan Erinç expressed his concern regarding the arrests but declined to comment on the court ruling.

Criticizing the lengthy investigation process, “This renders the judiciary ineffective and brings questions about political influences. We urge for the case to begin as soon as possible” said Erinç in a written statement.

Balbay’s Cumhuriyet is highly critical of the current AKP government’s Islamist background. His colleague Hikmet Çetinkaya also condemned the arrests, in a commentary appearing on a television channel:

“What happened in eight months to cause these arrests? We don’t know if there is new evidence or not. There’re paper clippings in Balbay’s house. He is a Kemalist and Republican. If those constitute a crime, I wouldn’t know.”

Contemporary Journalists’ Association (ÇGD) chair Ahmet Abakay stated that when the PM’s recent pressuring comments towards the media are followed with these arrests, on should be concerned about freedoms.

“Balbay was interrogated before. It’s expected that the court and the prosecution should have gathered all relevant information. Of course, the judiciary is independent but one can’t withhold from thinking if this is a warning to the opposition.”  

“Our colleagues are related to gangs which they have no relation whatsoever” added Turkey’s Union of Journalists (TGS) chair Ercan İpekçi. “This is a form of suppression.”(EÖ/AGÜ)