Journalist Derya Ren released from prison, seeks to report on rights violations in earthquake-hit regions
Derya Ren, a journalist with the Kurdish news agency JINNEWS, was released from Diyarbakır Women's Closed Prison on August 6, 2024, after serving a sentence for allegedly aiding a terrorist organization. Ren, who was arrested during home raids in Diyarbakır in 2022 and later sentenced to 3 years, 13 months, and 15 days by the Şanlıurfa 6th High Criminal Court, shared her experiences with the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) after her release.
Ren's imprisonment began in October 2022, following the Court of Cassation’s approval of her sentence. She was detained at her home in Diyarbakır and subsequently imprisoned in Diyarbakır Women's Closed Prison. Although she completed her sentence on May 6, 2024, the prison’s Administration and Observation Board delayed her release, claiming she was "not ready to reintegrate with society." Her release was postponed for three months.
Ren recounted the human rights violations she faced even before entering prison, including being subjected to a handcuffed medical examination during a COVID-19 test at a hospital. Once in prison, she described how communication with the outside world was severely restricted, with specific newspapers like Yeni Yaşam and Evrensel being withheld. She noted that her fellow inmates, eager to learn about current events, frequently questioned her about the news, highlighting the inadequate communication resources available to prisoners.
Reflecting on her time in prison, Ren expressed frustration over the confiscation of her writings and news stories by prison authorities. She emphasized the importance of Kurdish journalism and the role of journalists in upholding truth and freedom. "As journalists following the path of truth, we must value the sacrifices made and fight to write and ask questions freely," she said.
Ren emerged from prison feeling stronger, particularly due to the solidarity among women. She underscored her commitment to amplifying the voices of those involved in the women's liberation movement and other resistance efforts, pledging to continue her journalistic work with renewed determination.
Looking ahead, Ren expressed a strong desire to return to reporting and photography, with a particular focus on the rights violations faced by women in regions affected by recent earthquakes. She highlighted the gender-based challenges that often go unreported in mainstream media coverage of such disasters. "As a member of the Kurdish press, I feel it is my responsibility to give voice to these women as soon as possible," she stated.
