Two Journalists Complain of Threats From AKP

On two different accounts, two local journalists are complaining that ruling AKPs local administrators are pressuring and threatning them following their critical approach to the government.

Erol Önderoğlu

The case, where owner of the "Haber 49" newspaper Emrullah Özbey complained of threats by relatives of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) local MP Medeni Yılmaz had continued yesterday.

On another account, Kocaeli "4 Temmuz" newspaper reporter Türkan Pampal has complained that local AKP members' pressures.

Pampal said: "I joined a demonstration organized by unions as a reaction to the government's health policies. Following the demonstration, AKP local youth organization leader and administrators threatened me".

She applied to the Public Prosecutor's Office, claiming that her right to life is scrutinized but haven't received an reply since three weeks.

Pampal also alleged that administrators are pressuring her and her relatives.

No reconciliation

Özbey had said that he had been threatened by MP Yılmaz's relatives following a commentary published in his newspaper, criticizing the administration.

The defendants rejected allegations. They confirmed that they encountered the journalist and inquired about his writings but rejected claims that they physically or verbally insulted or harassed him.

Both parties turned down the court's proposal for reconciliation. As a result, the case was deferred to May 8.(EÖ/EÜ)

Origin

BÄ°A News Center

Erol Önderoğlu

[email protected]

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A graduate of the French Language and Literature Department at İstanbul University. He has served as the Turkey representative for the international organization Reporters Without...

A graduate of the French Language and Literature Department at İstanbul University. He has served as the Turkey representative for the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), where he began as a reporter in 1996. Since 1999, he has worked at bianet, a project of the IPS Communication Foundation, as the coordinator of the Legal Support Desk, editor for freedom of expression, and editor-in-chief. He has authored more than 4,800 signed news articles and opinion pieces. He has also written for Bizim Gazete and the journal Güncel Hukuk. He currently prepares the Media Monitoring Reports at bianet.