Photo: Can Öztürk
MLSA – The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) filed a criminal complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on behalf of T24 reporter Can Öztürk, who was subjected to excessive police force while covering a press statement in Istanbul’s Karaköy district on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The complaint alleges that law enforcement officers committed crimes including torture, insult, and abuse of authority.
“He Was Assaulted Despite Repeatedly Stating He Was a Journalist”
The petition states that Öztürk, who was covering the event as part of his journalistic duties, was blocked by police officers while trying to film a group encircled by law enforcement. After verbal warnings, the officers escalated to physical intervention.
The petition also describes how Öztürk was pushed towards the street by a female police officer while he continued filming, causing him to fall to the ground. During the incident, Öztürk faced the risk of being hit by a car due to ongoing traffic. It further details how another police officer grabbed him by the shoulders, shoved him against a wall, and struck him on the back multiple times.
“He Showed His Press Card, but the Violence Did Not Stop”
The petition emphasizes that Öztürk was wearing his press card around his neck and using professional equipment, yet the police ignored his status as a journalist. Following the incident, Öztürk visited Eyüpsultan State Hospital, where it was documented that he suffered pain in his upper right arm due to the assault.
“Freedom of Expression and Press Were Violated”
The petition references rulings by the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights, asserting that police intervention against journalists covering public events constitutes a violation of freedom of expression and press. It highlights how such actions by law enforcement obstruct journalists’ role in informing the public and undermine the press’s supervisory role in democratic functioning.
“A Thorough Investigation of Those Responsible is Necessary”
The criminal complaint demands the identification of the police officers involved in the incident, the initiation of an investigation against them, and the filing of a public lawsuit. In addition to charges of torture, maltreatment, insult, and abuse of authority, the petition also accuses the officers of violating the right to work and obstructing freedom of belief.
