Turkey: An Investigation Was Launched Against Arti Gerçek Reporter Yağmur Kaya Following Her Journalistic Coverage – CFWIJ Reiterates #Journalismisnotacrime
Location: Turkey, Aydın
Date: June 22, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
An investigation was launched against Artı Gerçek reporter Yağmur Kaya with the allegation of "targeting people who took part in counter-terrorism", following her journalistic coverage. Yağmur’s interview with Human Rights Association (İHD) Co-Chair and lawyer Eren Keskin was considered a criminal element. As the Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ), we condemn the unjust investigations and lawsuits that aim to intimidate journalists. We reiterate once again: Journalism is not a crime.
Upon the complaint of the Deputy Commander of the Gendarmerie General Command, Musa Çitil, an investigation was launched against Artı Gerçek reporter Yağmur Kaya with the allegation of "targeting those who took part in counter-terrorism". The investigation was initiated by the Aydın Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Yağmur’s interview with İHD Co-Chair and lawyer Eren Keskin was the subject of the accusation. In an interview with the Co-Chair about sergeant Musa Orhan’s abuse of İpek Er and causing her death, Eren Keskin’s comparison of Musa Çitil's similar case years ago is the subject of the investigation. Eren Keskin's social media posts are also included in the allegations.
No further information on a lawsuit was filed against the journalist regarding the investigation.
Earlier, Yağmur was detained during the Boğaziçi University protests she followed and was threatened by security forces in the HDP Women's Assembly's press briefing on imprisoned women.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism recorded 60 separate case files against women journalists since the beginning of 2021, including the investigation launched against Yağmur Kaya. Legal harassment ranks first among the rights violations faced by journalists in Turkey. The proceedings are alarming and cast a shadow over press freedom. We demand the Turkish authorities to respect the freedom of expression of journalists practising their profession and to immediately acquit all journalists who are wrongfully prosecuted. We reiterate once again: Journalism is not a crime!
The Coalition For Women In Journalism closely monitors the incidents in Turkey with great concern. Since March 8, Women's Day, police violence against women journalists increasingly continues in the country. As the coalition, we urge the Turkish state to provide a free environment for journalists. Following the news is our most fundamental democratic right to report. We demand the immediate release of our detained colleagues. Journalism is not a crime. Journalism cannot be prevented.
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