Press Organizations React Against Attack on Journalists in Midyat

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Turkey Journalists Association (TGF) has called on Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım following the three journalists’ being subjected to assault.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Turkey Representative, Erol Önderoğlu emphasized that the attack is not surprising since attacks on journalists are being “encouraged”.

Mahmut Bozarslan, Hatice Kamer and Sertaç Kayar were attacked by a group with stones as they were shooting around the police station following the bomb attack in Midyat district of Mardin province.

The wounded Kamer and Bozarslan were taken into hospital. While the journalists were receiving treatment in Midyat State Hospital, Southeastern Journalists Association President Veysel İpek was attacked by the same group as he was heading to the hospital.

Bozarslan: Police didn’t intervene on time

Bozarslan speaking to bianet conveyed that the attack was “incited by a couple of young people” near the AKP (Justice and Development Party) District President, and that they were attacked by a group of 50-60 people subsequent to this incitement.

Bozarslan stating that the police didn’t intervene in said that 10 people from the same group came to the hospital, yet the police fired the gun into the air and dispersed the group.

RSF: Those responsible for the attack must be brought to court

Önderoğlu from the RSF speaking to bianet described the incident as “disgrace” and briefly spoke as follows:

“The allegation for our nine colleagues’ be wounded in their head, face and bodies cannot be ‘emotional reaction due to the bomb attack’. As the Reporters Without Borders, we wait for all those responsible for the attack including the AKP District President’s bodyguard and people around him to be brought to court and be punished decisively”.

TGF has called on the Prime Minister

TGF President Yılmaz Karaca met with the attacked journalists in Diyarbakır.

Karaca calling on Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said, “We want these troubles of the journalists in Diyarbakır to be ended and have their securities ensured”, and went on as follows:

“We as the executive board prepared a letter to be conveyed to the Prime Minister. We side with none of the parties. We only expect our companions in the southeast to carry out their duty in peace”.

Reaction from DİSK Press Labor

Following the attack, DİSK Press Labor as well has reacted and issued the following statement:

“We are asking who are these ‘unknown’ attackers? Why can’t they be caught? Why are not being tried? Seriously, who is watching for them? Of course, we all know the answer to these questions very well.

“Attacks against the press are attacks against people’s constitutional right, the right to information. One day, everyone will account for these crimes”.

Investigation as to the attack is continuing. (EA/TK)