PEN condems journalist Merdan Yanardağ's arrest

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The PEN Writers Association has voiced its opposition to the recent arrest of Merdan Yanardağ, the chief editor of TELE1 TV, on charges of "praiising crimes and criminals" in connection with his remarks about Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan. Yanardağ was taken remanded in custody on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation.

In a written statement released by the association expressed concern over the swift arrest, stating, "Our esteemed member, journalist, and writer Merdan Yanardağ was apprehended abruptly following a statement he made.

"Despite his assertion that he has never praised any terrorist organization or its leader, and that he harbors no intention to do so, he was still subjected to arrest."

The association further emphasized the need for justice, remarking, "We continue to stress that justice will be required by all individuals at some point. The expeditious arrest of Merdan Yanardağ, who claims that his words were manipulated and presented out of context, cannot be justified. We urge for his immediate release."

During a program on TELE1, Yanardağ had descrbied Öcalan as "the longest-serving political prisoner in Turkey" and said, "If normal execution laws were in place, he should actually be released. But you are holding him hostage, bargaining with him. You are threatening through him."

He had also criticized the authorities for not allowing Öcalan family and lawyer visits.

After Yanardağ's detention, Öcalan's lawyers had said they had not been able to reach him for 27 months. (NT/VK)