Co-Chairs of Association of Free Journalists have shown the first support for the campaign launched by Özgür Gündem daily to show solidarity and defend press freedom against oppressions and investigations.

28 journalists have been put in prison, 15 others and 2 media outlets attacked, 49 taken into custody, action taken against 86 persons including 53 journalists on charges of defaming the President.

Turkish Journalists Association has reminded of the crackdowns on freedom of the press and expression in Turkey in its statement made for May 3 World Press Freedom Day.

Dutch columnist Umar detained in Kuşadası on charge of “insulting President” has taken decision to go out of citizenship of Turkey.

Cumhuriyet daily columnists, Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Çetinkaya being tried for publishing Charlie Hebdo cover of the prophet Muhammad, have been sentenced to 2 years of prison.

Finn writer Taina Niemela residing in Van has been issued to be deported over “espionage activities” allegation.

Freedom House on its Freedom of Press 2016 Report has noted that press freedom has declined to its lowest point in 12 years. Turkey is among the countries with the largest decline.

The lawsuit brought against Beyazıt Öztürk on charge of “propagandizing for the terrorist organization” has been nolle prossed. Five years in prison has been demanded for the programme supervisor Kadir Turnalı and teacher Ayşe Çelik going live on the programme.

Journalist Hilmi Hacaloğlu has been hindered by police in Kilis where he went for shooting, he was told that he can’t shoot without permission of the Governorship. Hacaloğlu told that there is an intense fear atmosphere in the city.

30 persons who have denounced themselves with the slogan “We are all teacher Ayşe to support Ayşe Çelik who had said “Children are dying, don’t remain silent” on a TV programme called Beyaz Şov have been put on trial on charge of “propagandizing for the terrorist organization”.

RSF Turkey Representative Önderoğlu speaking as to journalists being not allowed into Turkey has said, “This attitude involves the message that ‘Love it or leave it’ against the ones who don’t truckle to New Turkey, criticize the President, question the foreign policies”.

DİHA correspondent Bilal Güldem detained on Saturday was arrested yesterday (April 24). Dutch journalist Ebru Umar over “insulting president”, journalist Ümit Zileli for calling Diyarbakır Prison Warden “torturer” have been taken into custody.