Journalists Yıldız Tar and Ercüment Akdeniz, who have been held in pretrial detention since Feb. 22 following police raids targeting the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) in Istanbul, have sent messages affirming their commitment to journalism. Lawyers from the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) visited the two journalists at Silivri Prison and reported that both were in good health and high spirits.
Tar and Akdeniz said they were closely following the case of seven journalists who were arrested after covering protests in Istanbul’s Saraçhane district and were released just one day after being jailed. Both welcomed the releases but emphasized that such arrests are part of a broader attack on press freedom and the public’s right to be informed.
Akdeniz: ‘Journalism exists to bring truth to light’
Journalist Ercüment Akdeniz also expressed joy over the release of the seven journalists and reaffirmed his belief in the role of journalism during times of repression. He stated:
“From behind prison walls, we watched the release of seven more of our colleagues on screen. Hearing that they’ve been freed from where they were held is truly uplifting. We send them our best wishes. We’re living through days of intellectual paralysis. But journalism, like journalists themselves, exists to keep doing the work. The solidarity from press freedom organizations and the public’s support is extremely valuable to us. Here in Silivri, we continue our journalism with pride, recognizing the strength in solidarity. Solidarity is the secret to staying strong.”
Tar: ‘This is an attack on journalism and the public’
In her message, journalist Yıldız Tar said the recent detentions were aimed at intimidating the press. Referring to the seven journalists detained for covering protests, Tar said:
“They were arrested just for doing their jobs — covering events and reporting from Saraçhane. As journalists imprisoned in Silivri, we’ve been following this situation with concern. I’ve just heard they’ve been released, which is great news. But from the start, these arrests have served as both a warning to journalists and an attack on the public’s right to access information. My best wishes go out to our colleagues. I’m confident they’ll continue reporting on our behalf as well.”
Tar and Akdeniz were among several individuals detained during police operations in late February targeting the HDK — a leftist political platform associated with Kurdish and other progressive movements in Turkey. Both journalists are known for their reporting on social justice, minority rights, and labor issues. Their detention drew criticism from press freedom groups and rights organizations.
