November 5, 2024 - Turkiye, Batman

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alarming escalation of police violence against women journalists in Turkiye. We are particularly appalled by the recent brutal attack on respected journalist Pelşin Çetinkaya, who was detained and tortured while covering public protests against trustee appointments in Batman. 

This shameful act of aggression not only undermines the safety and rights of journalists but also reflects a broader pattern of repression aimed at silencing critical voices. As Çetinkaya vividly described, the city has been transformed into a prison where citizens are met with violent police responses for exercising their right to protest. 

Following orders from the Ministry of Interior, the imposition of trustees on several municipalities has incited public resistance, which has been met with forceful and unjustifiable actions by law enforcement. Çetinkaya's attempts to document these human rights violations resulted in her detention, exemplifying the dangerous environment that journalists, particularly women, face in their pursuit of truth.

Women Press Freedom calls for immediate policy attention to address this pressing issue and protect the rights of journalists. We stand in solidarity with Pelşin Çetinkaya and all journalists committed to confronting injustice and advocating for transparency. We urge the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and to foster an environment where freedom of expression is upheld, rather than suppressed.