Aziz Oruç
Journalists and artists detained during protests in Istanbul against the electoral certificate crisis in Van have reported multiple instances of physical and psychological abuse by police, including two individuals sustaining broken noses. The detained, in their accounts to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), described their harrowing experiences of mistreatment.
During the protests on April 3 against the crisis in Van, 132 people were detained, including journalists Ferhat Sezgin from Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Dilan Şimşek from Pir News Agency (PİRHA), Sema Korkmaz from Yeni Yaşam Newspaper, and Müzeyyen Yüce from Artı Gerçek. They were beaten and handcuffed from behind by police. After spending two days in custody, they were taken to the Istanbul Peace Criminal Court on April 5 and released with a travel ban.
Ferhat Sezgin from MA sustained a broken nose during his detention, and musician Yusuf Keleş from Group Hevra also experienced physical assault leading to his nose being broken in two places.
Müzeyyen Yüce, speaking to MLSA, expressed her shock at the arbitrary nature of their treatment, saying, "I've covered many social events and demonstrations over the years but have never encountered such arbitrary practices." She also highlighted the deplorable conditions during detention, including the denial of basic needs like water, food, and bathroom access. Moreover, Yüce mentioned a Moroccan youth who was also detained, unable to communicate in Turkish, and was denied access to a translator or the right to inform his family.
Yüce plans to file a complaint against the unlawful and arbitrary practices, stating she suffered bruises, cuts, and wounds along with an assault on her dignity. "Despite repeatedly identifying myself as a member of the press, I was subjected to violence," she said, adding that her objections were met with tightened handcuffs.
Musician Yusuf Keleş described police violence as a common occurrence, noting that not just journalists and artists but also workers seeking their rights face such brutality. "Violence has unfortunately become a frequent encounter. The way Kurdish artists, journalists, and performers are treated with pressure and violence is unacceptable," Keleş stated.
Journalist Ferhat Sezgin recounted his ordeal, saying he was beaten by police despite identifying himself as a journalist and holding a camera. "They broke my nose by hitting my head against the detention vehicle," Sezgin shared. He was accused of participating in illegal demonstrations and propagandizing for a group, charges he vehemently denies.
These accounts highlight ongoing concerns about press freedom and police conduct in Turkey. Despite being released, the detainees emphasized the need for unity against what they describe as an oppressive system, vowing to continue their fight for justice and truth in reporting.
