Early this morning, Jin News reporter Beritan Canözer’s house was raided and the journalist was taken to custody. No further information is given about the detention, reportedly. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is appalled by this vicious attempt against journalists to intimidate them. We demand the Turkish state to release our colleague immediately.

An indictment was filed against Jin News reporter Şehriban Abi, journalist Nazan Sala, and Mesopotamia Agency (MA) reporter Zeynep Durgut on terrorism-related charges. Both Şehriban and Nazan were apprehended by the authorities, where they remain behind bars. Zeynep, however, was listed in the indictment but has yet to be arrested. The Van 5th High Criminal Court accepted the case, and judicial proceedings are underway. The journalists, if convicted, face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the unfounded charges against journalists, and we demand their immediate release.

State officials cracked down on civilians and journalists for organizing a protest rally against President Alexander Lukashenko. Of those arrested, at least five are journalists, most of them women. The continued repression of civil liberties and free press in the country has sent a wave of outrage in the international community.