Following the detention of Halktv.com.tr Editor-in-Chief Dinçer Gökçe and other news editors due to reports on the "Yenidoğan Gang" investigation, the Media Solidarity Group, a coalition that includes the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and other press freedom and civil society organizations, issued a public statement condemning the action as a severe blow to press freedom and the public's right to information.
The statement, signed by organizations such as the Press Council, Progressive Journalists Association, and the Turkish Journalists Union, read:
“If any news report contains incorrect or incomplete information, there are numerous democratic avenues within the law to address it. Resorting to repressive measures like detentions against journalists is an attempt to intimidate the profession and silence the free press."
The group further criticized recent legislation, including the "disinformation law" and proposed "influence espionage" measures currently under parliamentary review, as serious threats to freedom of expression. They argued that such laws impose restrictions that undermine democratic values and curtail the media's essential role in holding power accountable.
The statement continued:
“Attempts to silence or intimidate the press prevent the public from accessing accurate information. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and we call on all sectors of society to stand against any pressure on journalists."
The signatories emphasized their commitment to fighting against these undemocratic measures and called on all members of society to support journalists and press freedom.
Signatories include:
- Press Council
- Progressive Journalists Association
- Diplomacy Reporters Association
- Economic Journalists Association
- Journalists Association
- Haber-Sen
- İzmir Journalists Association
- Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
- Turkish Journalists Union
