On July 24, 1908, when the Second Constitutionalism was declared, newspapers started to be published for the first time without being censored. This day is therefore celebrated as “Press Day” since 1946 as a remembrance to the day censorship was removed in press. However, today, 134 journalists are in prison, hundreds are prosecuted and journalists are under pressure with unemployment, censorship, self-censorship, detainments, arrests, investigations and lawsuits. There are more than ten thousand unemployed journalists, hundreds of press cards were cancelled and 95 of the media is under the control of the political power… Professional press organisations made statements for July 24, Press Day and pointed out this picture in Turkey, expressing that they can not celebrate anything about press in such a time.
“When journalists protect their rights and society protect their news, July 24th will be a day of celebration,” stated the Turkish Journalists Union. Turkish Journalists Association said, “We wish to experience July 24th as a celebration in Turkey where journalists are not targeted due to their thoughts and news, not dismissed from work, not detained or arrested.” “Freedom of expression and press are trampled in Turkey,” said the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK) Press-Labour in the announcement made for the anniversary of the removal of censorship.
24.07.2019
bianet.org / gazetekarinca.com / evrensel.net