Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), along with 17 other organizations, issued a statement condemning the detention of 10 journalists during operations carried out across Turkey on Nov. 26. The groups called for the immediate release of the journalists and an end to what they described as violations of press freedom.
The detained journalists include Roza Metina and Ahmet Sümbül in Diyarbakır, Erdoğan Alayumat, Bilge Aksu, Tuğçe Yılmaz, and Suzan Demir in Istanbul, Mehmet Uçar in Batman, and Bilal Seçkin in Ankara. They were reportedly taken into custody in early-morning raids. The organizations said these detentions constitute a clear violation of press and freedom of expression laws.
The statement, endorsed by groups such as the Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS), the Journalists’ Association of Turkey (GC), the Dicle Fırat Journalists’ Association (DFG), and international organizations like ARTICLE 19 and the International Press Institute (IPI), urged authorities to end the targeting of journalists. They also highlighted the need to uphold the protections outlined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression, including journalistic activities.
The full statement emphasizes the role of journalism in a democratic society and calls on authorities to adhere to international human rights standards. Rights groups reiterated their demand for an immediate end to the detentions and any measures restricting press freedom.
Signatories:
Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS)
Association of Journalists (GC)
ARTICLE 19
Press Workers' Union
Dicle Fırat Journalists Association
Haber-Sen News Workers' Union
İzmir Journalists Association
Freedom House
Diyarbakır Local Media Association
Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Southeastern Journalists Association (GCC)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Progressive Journalists Association
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Journalists' and Media Workers' Union (Russia)
