Cihan Berk, a reporter for Pir News Agency (PİRHA), was detained during a raid on his home in Dersim on December 19, 2025, and was arrested the same day by a court on charges of “membership in an armed terrorist organization.” Berk, whose computer and books were confiscated during a search of his home, was sent to Elazığ High Security Prison No. 2. In a letter sent to bianet, the detained journalist stated that all of the posts he was accused of sharing were part of his professional activities. Berk stated that his posts about TAYAD families were newsworthy and that his correspondence with prisoners in prison was a natural part of his journalistic activities. Berk denied the allegations of “hunger strike on the instructions of an organization” and “possession of banned publications,” saying that the books found in his home were stamped novels and research books. Berk emphasized that his arrest was unlawful and wanted his voice to be heard by the public.
January 29, 2026
bianet