A statement was made in Istanbul for the release of arrested journalists. A large number of journalists and civil society representatives attended the statement made at the Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch.
Reminding that Özgür Gelecek reporter Perihan Erkılınç and Önsöz Magazine Editor-in-Chief Songül Yücel were arrested after house raids on April 29, the journalists said, “We will not get used to journalists being silenced.”
Yusuf Çelik from Özgür Gelecek said, “At least 118 journalists were detained this year, 26 of them were arrested. For years, Perihan Erkılınç and Songül Yücel have been reporting on the voices of laborers, women, Kurds and LGBTI+ people.”
Esra Solin Dal from Mezopotamya Agency emphasized that opposition media is under systematic pressure: “Any news that criticizes the policies of the government is considered a crime. This is a struggle not only for press freedom but also for the public’s right to information.”
Participants called for the release of journalists: “Defending a free press is defending the voice of the people. Journalists cannot be silenced.”
10.05.2025
PIRHA