The Journalists’ Association of Turkey, the Publishers’ Association of Turkey, the Journalists’ Union of Turkey, the Writers’ Union of Turkey and the PEN Writers’ Association issued a joint press statement on the targeting of LeMan Magazine and the recent developments.
The statement emphasized that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are among the cornerstones of a pluralistic democracy and expressed concern over the recent targeting, attacks and calls for violence over the cartoon. The statement emphasized that problems should be solved through communication and that criminalizing different opinions causes irreparable damage to the social ground.
Recalling the professional principles of the press, it was stated that journalists should avoid publications that incite hatred and hostility. The statement also referred to the anniversary of the Sivas Massacre and called for the defense of freedom of expression to prevent similar climates of hatred from sprouting again.
All journalists and broadcasters were called upon to act in accordance with the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Journalists in Turkey and the Publishing Principles of the Turkish Publishers Association.
July 2, 2025
Republic