NUJ condemns detentions and joins the International Federation of Journalists in calling for their immediate release.

During raids on 26 November, journalists Roza Metina, Jinnews Kurdish editor and president of the Mesopotamian Women Journalists Association, Ahmet Sümbül, freelance Journalist, and filmmaker Ardin Diren, were detained in Diyarbakır.

Freelance journalists Erdoğan Alayumat and Bilge Aksu, Tuğçe Yılmaz (Bianet), and Suzan Demir (Gazete Duvar) were held in Istanbul. Officials also detained Mehmet Uçar, freelance Journalist in Batman and Bilal Seçkin, freelance Journalist in Ankara.

The detainees were referred to as “suspected terrorist organization members” in a social media post by Ali Yerlikaya, Turkish Interior Minister. The NUJ and IFJ have grave concerns over the restrictions imposed on the journalists who have been unable to communicate with their lawyers. A so-called ‘transparency order’ has further prevented lawyers acting on their behalf from obtaining information about the investigation.

Several others were targeted in raids including poet and longtime columnist Hicri İzgören, Yeni Yaşam, newspaper columnist, Aver Yoldaş, publishing coordinator, Doğan Güzel, cartoonist, translator Ömer Barasi, as well as several politicians and human rights defenders.

The NUJ has echoed calls by the IFJ and organisations including the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS) urging authorities to end the oppression of journalists and ensure the protection of journalistic activities under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

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