Press Organizations Condemn Journalist Detentions Ahead of NATO Summit

A wave of operations targeting journalists in Turkey, occurring just before an anticipated NATO Summit in Ankara, has drawn sharp condemnation from prominent press organizations. The Turkish Journalists' Association, Contemporary Journalists Association, Turkish Journalists' Union, and DİSK Press-Workers' Union have issued joint statements denouncing the detentions as a severe blow to press freedom and the public's right to information.

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We are experiencing another day where the agenda of the country is determined by interventions in press and freedom of expression. We are concerned about the detention of our colleagues #T24 Foreign Policy Editor Buse Söğütlü and #Oda TV Editor Ceren Erdoğdu before the NATO Summit.

The press organizations argue that arresting journalists for their professional activities is not merely an infringement on individual liberties but a direct assault on democratic principles. They emphasize that suppressing journalists who defend the public's right to know undermines the very foundation of a democratic society. The statements highlight that journalism's core purpose, as defined by the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Turkish Journalists, is to serve the public's right to learn the truth, requiring journalists to investigate, verify, and report without undue pressure.

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The detention of journalists for their professional activities is not just an intervention in the personal freedom and security of two journalists. This practice also targets the public's right to information, and freedom of press and expression.

Citing constitutional protections for freedom of expression and the press, as well as Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the organizations assert that these detentions damage the rule of law. They specifically called for the immediate release of T24 Foreign Policy Editor Buse Söğütlü and Oda TV Editor Ceren Erdoğdu, who were reportedly detained. Concerns were also raised about reports that the detained journalists were being denied access to their lawyers, which would constitute a violation of the right to defense and a fair trial.

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The deprivation of liberty of journalists in connection with their professional activities is a severe practice that undermines the principle of the rule of law.

The press bodies are demanding that authorities adhere to constitutional principles and the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Turkish Journalists. They urge an end to the pressure and intimidation tactics used against journalists, asserting that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society. The overarching message from these organizations is clear: "Journalism is not a crime."

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We demand that our detained colleagues be allowed to meet with their lawyers, that all their rights be fully guaranteed, that the detention procedures against them be terminated, and that they be released as soon as possible.