The number of journalists detained in connection with an investigation centered in Eskişehir, Turkey, has risen to eight, following a series of house raids across several cities. Five additional writers, translators, directors, and cartoonists were also detained as part of the same investigation.
Early this morning, raids took place in cities including Diyarbakır, Istanbul, Ankara, and Batman, leading to the detention of 13 individuals, including journalists, writers, and artists. The investigation is being conducted by the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and those detained are expected to be transferred to Eskişehir for further questioning.
Names of detained individuals
The detained journalists and writers include:
- Erdoğan Alayumat (Journalist)
- Tuğçe Yılmaz (Journalist)
- Bilge Aksu (Journalist)
- Ahmet Sünbül (Journalist)
- Roza Metina (Journalist, Chair of the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association)
- Bilal Seçkin (Journalist)
- Mehmet Ücar (Journalist)
- Suzan Demir (Journalist)
- Ardin Diren (Translator, Director)
- Doğan Güzel (Cartoonist)
- Hicri İzgören (Poet, Writer)
- Ömer Barasi (Translator, Writer)
- Baver Yoldaş (Publishing coordinator)
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) stated that its legal team will provide support to the detained journalists in Istanbul and Eskişehir.
Government statement and investigation details
Turkey's Interior Ministry issued a written statement about the ongoing operations, which are under a confidentiality order. Detainees are prohibited from meeting their lawyers for 24 hours. The statement revealed that as part of the nationwide operation, codenamed "GÜRZ-27," a total of 231 suspects were apprehended across 30 provinces.
Authorities claim the detainees were involved in political and media-related activities for an unnamed organization. Allegations include providing financial support to the group, spreading its propaganda on social media, participating in unauthorized protests, and damaging public property.
These detentions are the latest in Turkey’s broader crackdown on journalists and writers, which has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations over concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression.
