NALİN ÖZTEKIN
Journalists detained during a wide-ranging police operation coordinated by the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office have reported being subjected to mistreatment, including being kept handcuffed for the entire eight-hour journey from Istanbul to Eskişehir. The operation, which took place across multiple provinces including Diyarbakır, Istanbul, Ankara, and Batman, resulted in the detention of 13 individuals, including journalists, writers, translators, filmmakers, and cartoonists.
Accounts of mistreatment
The detained journalists described being kept in handcuffs throughout the journey, except for brief restroom breaks, as they were transported from Istanbul to Eskişehir for questioning. Legal representatives from the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) have begun providing legal support to the detainees and are meeting with them in Eskişehir.
Operation details
The Interior Ministry stated that the operation, named "GÜRZ-27," targeted 30 provinces and led to the detention of 231 individuals. The ministry alleged that the detainees were involved in activities such as:
- Participating in the organizational structures of political and media groups tied to a terrorist organization.
- Providing financial support to the organization.
- Spreading propaganda on social media.
- Participating in illegal street protests and damaging public property.
Restrictions on legal access
The authorities have imposed a 24-hour lawyer access ban on detainees, citing the confidentiality of the investigation. MLSA’s legal team criticized this measure as a violation of the detainees' rights to legal representation and defense.
Widespread criticism of the operation
Rights groups and press organizations have expressed concern over the increasing use of sweeping operations against journalists and media professionals under the guise of counter-terrorism. They argue that these actions often target legitimate journalistic activities, restricting press freedom and stifling dissent.
Ongoing legal efforts
MLSA’s lawyers plan to challenge the restrictions and allegations, emphasizing that the charges and investigation lack transparency due to the secrecy order. The detainees’ accounts of mistreatment during detention and transfer have also raised questions about potential human rights violations.
The operation underscores ongoing tensions in Turkey between state authorities and journalists, with press freedom advocates continuing to call for greater transparency and adherence to legal protections.
