STATEMENT FROM THE MEDIA SOLIDARITY GROUP
Fatih Altaylı’s arrest is unacceptable, thought cannot be treated as a crime!
The arrest of journalist Fatih Altaylı on charges of “threatening the president” based on a comment he made on his YouTube channel constitutes a serious violation of freedom of expression, press freedom, and the public’s right to information.
The detention and subsequent arrest followed the circulation of a selectively edited clip of the video, which was shared by a presidential advisor in a manner that incited allegations of threat.
Altaylı’s statements clearly fall within the realm of criticism and commentary. These remarks, which neither include a call for violence nor contain elements of threat, being treated as criminal “threats” is a violation of the rule of law.
A journalist’s opinions—just like their news reporting—are protected under the right to freedom of expression. Initiating criminal proceedings and ordering pretrial detention based on a citizen’s, especially a journalist’s, expression of opinion undermines the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
Unfortunately, Altaylı is not alone. Many journalists have recently been subjected to judicial pressure following orchestrated smear campaigns on social media. It is unacceptable, in a state governed by the rule of law, for the judiciary to be swayed by such public pressure.
The role of the judiciary is not to punish thought but to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. Expressing an opinion is not a crime; journalism is not a crime. Criticism is a cornerstone of democracy; suppressing it is a sign of authoritarianism.
Fatih Altaylı’s arrest is yet another intimidation tactic directed at the press and society at large. This is unacceptable.
Altaylı must be released immediately, and the policies of repression targeting press freedom and freedom of expression must come to an end.
We, the undersigned press organizations, call for an immediate end to such attacks and repressive practices targeting journalists.
Press Council (Basın Konseyi)
Contemporary Journalists Association (Çağdaş Gazeteciler Derneği)
Diplomacy Reporters Association (Diplomasi Muhabirleri Derneği)
Economy Reporters Association (Ekonomi Muhabirleri Derneği)
Journalists Association (Gazeteciler Cemiyeti)
News Workers’ Union (Haber-Sen)
İzmir Journalists Association (İzmir Gazeteciler Cemiyeti)
Media and Law Studies Association (Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği)
Parliament Reporters Association (Parlamento Muhabirleri Derneği)
Journalists’ Union of Turkey (Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası)
