Turkey: CFWIJ Condemns Constant Postponement Of Journalists Semiha Şahin’s And Pinar Gayip’s Trial
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Date: April 15, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
The 13th hearing of the trial against journalists Semiha Şahin and Pınar Gayıp was held today in İstanbul. The court ruled incomplete elements of the case-file to be completed and adjourned the trial to July 14, 2021. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the constant persecution against journalists. We demand Semiha and Pınar’s acquittal immediately.
Journalists Semiha Şahin and Pınar Gayıp are being prosecuted on the charges of "being a member of an armed terrorist organization" and "making a chain of propaganda for a terrorist organization". The accusations were formed as a result of social media activity and the fact that they participated in a protest to cover it. Semiha and Pınar are facing up to 23 years in prison.
The 13th hearing of the case was held today at İstanbul’s 23rd High Criminal Court. The court ruled incomplete elements of the case-file to be completed and adjourned the trial to July 14, 2021.
The journalists were initially arrested on April 19, 2018. They were released but remained under house arrest which was then lifted on December 11, 2019. The house arrest measure against Semiha and Pınar was lifted on December 11, 2019. However, the travel ban imposed on them continues.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands the journalists’ acquittal. The ongoing trial is a clear attempt of Turkish authorities to silence journalists through the judiciary system. We believe that presenting their social media posts and coverages as incriminating evidence is predominantly used to intimidate the journalists and discourage them from pursuing their work. We urge authorities to put an end to repressive practices against journalists.
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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