Investigation launched into Halk TV reporter covering miners' protest

An investigation has been initiated against Umut Taştan, a reporter for Halk TV, for his coverage of a protest by workers at Özşen Madencilik. Taştan had been following the workers' actions for two days, culminating in him descending into a mine shaft to interview miners who had confined themselves underground and commenced a hunger strike.

The launch of a probe into Taştan's journalistic activities has sparked strong reactions from various unions and press organizations. These groups have voiced their opposition, emphasizing that journalism is not a criminal offense and that Taştan was merely performing his professional duties.

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Journalism is not a crime, Umut Taştan is a friend of the miners!

Bağımsız Maden-İş, a union, was among the first to respond, stating on social media, "Journalism is not a crime, Umut Taştan is a friend of the miners!" The union defended Taştan's actions, noting that he displayed "valuable journalistic practice" by attempting to be the voice of the miners, especially after mine owner Bekir Kiremitçi reportedly blocked news access to the underground site. The union affirmed its support for Taştan, adding, "You cannot silence the press that is the voice of the miner!"

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You cannot silence the press that is the voice of the miner!