Turkiye: Aysın Komitgan Investigated for "Terrorist Propaganda" Over On-Air Slip-Up
October 21, 2024 - Turkiye, Bursa
Journalist Aysın Komitgan was detained for saying "May he rest in peace" during a live broadcast about the death of Fethullah Gülen, the leader of the Gülen Movement, who is accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt. She faces charges of "praising crime" and "terrorist propaganda."
Aysın clarified on social media that she does not express sympathy for the FETÖ leader and emphasized that neither she nor her family has ever been associated with such groups. She apologized for any misunderstanding caused by her words. Despite this, her news outlet Bursada Bugün severed ties with her, and she remains under investigation.
Women Press Freedom firmly denounces this aggressive action. It is unacceptable for her to lose her job and face terrorism charges due to a slip of the tongue while reacting to breaking news live on TV. We demand the case be dropped and that Komitgan be freed.
Despite the innocuous nature of her tweet, Turkish authorities interpreted it as politically sensitive, leading to the court's decision to block Zaman’s account.
We are deeply concerned about the lack of safety for journalists, who often work without adequate protection.
WPF firmly denounces this aggressive action. It is unacceptable for her to lose her job and face terrorism charges due to a slip of the tongue while reacting to breaking news live on TV. We demand the case be dropped and that Komitgan be freed.
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Michelle Mendoza was forced to flee her country after receiving threats stemming from online disinformation campaigns that attacked her reputation. The harassment, linked to her investigations into criminal networks within the government.
We stand in solidarity with the journalists and staff of Açık Radyo and urge Turkish authorities to reverse this decision
Sandoval was on assignment for Canal Señal 3 La Victoria when she was shot and was mother to a young child. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, with prosecutors seeking a 30-year prison term.
WPF condemns this crackdown on press freedom and peaceful protest. Journalists must be free to report without facing police violence. We demand the reporters are immediately freed.
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WPF condemns this harassment and demands an end to the targeting of Kili. Journalists must be able to report freely without facing intimidation.
Women Press Freedom applauds the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision directing the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider Priscilla Villarreal's case, a citizen journalist in Texas seeking to sue for wrongful arrest.
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WPF stands in solidarity with Değer and demands an end to this judicial harassment. This baseless investigation must be dropped.
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WPF demands that the governor focus on combating the wave of violence in Culiacán, instead of trying to hold journalists responsible for safety concerns.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the sentencing of investigative journalist Heba Abu Taha to one year in prison and a fine exceeding $7,000 by a Jordanian court. This marks the fourth instance of legal harassment she has faced since 2020.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the vandalization of Nevenka Medić's car, the director of the Kossev portal, which occurred over the weekend in downtown North Mitrovica.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent court decision to impose five-year prison sentences on journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi.
Heval Onkol was beaten and threatened, while Ceylan Şahinli faced multiple attempts to obstruct her reporting.
Police have finally arrested the man harassing Mercedes Stephenson, political journalist and Ottawa bureau chief for Global News. Stephenson experienced ongoing targeting despite taking legal action against her harasser.
Opposition party Law and Justice (PiS) used footage of journalists like Maria Stepan in a political ad, distorting their statements to push a political agenda.
WPF vehemently condemns threats of sexual violence targeting the journalist at her home. Police must investigate.
WPF denounces the ruling and urges it be overturned on appeal. We demand an end to vexatious lawsuits targeting journalists for their work.
Women Press Freedom is devastated by news of Victoria's passing. She should never have been behind bars in the first place. We demand accountability from Russian authorities. Her family and loved ones deserve justice.
Women Press Freedom urges Slovak authorities to immediately drop the investigation and ensure that legal means are not weaponized to retaliate against journalists for their work.
Belarus’ Supreme Court has upheld a 10-year sentence in absentia for exiled journalist Hanna Liubakova on charges of "seizing power" & "extremism"—a blatant act of transnational repression.
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