[AJA Statement] Turkish Journalists Crisis

A new black page is opened, in the dark book of Turkish government against media people, by arresting more than 20 journalists on Sunday.

It is not the first time, to directly target those who are seen not loyal to the interests of the government .

Such raids started almost a year to the day after a probe was opened on December 17, 2013, into corruption allegations that rocked the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then premier.

As we condemn the police action against the Zaman newspaper and Samanyolu TV channel, we consider it a clampdown on press freedom.

We confirm that media people must not be the victims of political competitions and battles of the governing and oppositions parties. It is indisputable that such attacks to keep press silent are aimed at strengthening the state’s authoritarianism.

Freedom of speech, opinions, beliefs, activities as well as freedom of press are genuine rights in free and democratic countries. And Turkey must show its identity, to be a democratic one, or not.