Have You Heard Initiative: Journalists Should be Released Before Virus Enters Prison

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The "Have You Heard" (Haberin Var Mı?) initiative has released a statement and a new video about imprisoned journalists, saying that "Journalists should go out before the virus enters prisons."

"While announcing some measures, the government leaves journalists and politicians, who did nothing beyond expressing their thoughts, to their fates in prisons," the statement said.

Journalists, students and politicians who are treated as "terrorists" because of their bylines in news reports, statements or views should also benefit the changes in the new parole law. We're running out of time here! #HaveYouHeard #VirüsGirmedenGazetecilerÇıksın pic.twitter.com/wleO0FEso5

— TRFreePress (@TRFreePress) April 1, 2020

"The occupation rate in 359 prisons in Turkey is 127 percent. According to the latest data, there are 257 thousand convicts and 43 thousand arrestees in prisons, with more than 100 journalists.

"Time is running out. The United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, European Union parliamentarians, International PEN and others reiterate their calls on Turkey: Empty the prisons before it's too late!

"However, as seen in yesterday's statement, these calls are not being taken seriously. We reiterate once again: Before Covid-19 spreads all prisons like fire, the scope of the new regulation on criminal execution should be extended.

"Journalists, students and politicians who are treated as 'terrorists' because of their news, statements and views should be included in the new regulation on criminal execution.

"There should be no criminals of thought left in prisons. Before the virus enters prison, journalists should go out." (HA/VK)