Journalists in Front of Communications Directorate: Where are Our Press Cards?

Photo: Tunahan Turhan / Twitter

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Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS) has staged a protest in front of the Presidency Communications Directorate.

MPs from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Contemporary Journalists Association and the Human Rights Association also supported the demonstration.

TGS Ankara Branch Chair Esra Koçak read out a press statement, urging the Communications Directorate to immediately send the new turquoise press cards to journalists.

"As journalists, we don't need permission from anyone. We want to protect people's right to receive information, which is our only motto," Koçak said.

Obtaining a press card 'became difficult'

While journalists would easily obtain a press card before 2015, it became difficult after the changes made to the Press Cards Regulation that year, Koçak noted, adding that representatives of professional organizations were removed from the press card council with another change in 2018.

"In 2019, the yellow press card was turned into a turquoise color and an application was requested for the renewal of all cards. Cards of hundreds of journalists were not renewed in the past year. It was stated that they were under review and would be renewed.

"After this long period, we learned that the press cards of journalists who can still use their old cards were canceled as of January 23. No explanation was given as to why the cards were canceled, and phone calls by journalists were not answered.

"The silence of the Communications Directorate continued until the night of January 26. Entering into the system, our colleagues saw that their yellow press cards were reopened to use." (HA/VK)