Turkey: CFWIJ Condemns Hate Speech And Online Threats Against Journalists Canan Kaya And Nevşin Mengü
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Date: July 22, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
Independent journalists Canan Kaya and Nevşin Mengü were targeted for being funded by international organisations after the refugee discussions were flared up in Turkey. Journalists were subjected to racist attacks and hate speech on social media. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the outrageous attacks on journalists. We stand with journalists who pursue their job independently and defend a free press.
The recent increase in the number of refugees coming to Turkey exposed racist discussions against migrants. Canan Kaya, Editor-in-Chief of Medyakoridor, and journalist Nevşin Mengü, who criticised the discrimination in the country, were exposed to online trolling campaigns.
Independent journalist Canan Kaya becomes a target on Twitter following her critics and posts about the racist approach against refugees. Canan received many racist and threatening messages on Twitter, citing the fund that the Medyakoridoru she founded was financed. Announcing that she was exposed to a lynching campaign from her account, the journalist told that she is planning to lodge a complaint against those who targeted her. Also, the website Ekşi Sözlük targeted Canan about her comments.
Journalist Nevşin Mengü was another journalist who was exposed to an online trolling campaign after the discussions. Nevşin’s name was in the list published on the Ekşi Sözlük under the title of "sold academics who beautify refugees". Allegedly the journalist was defending migrants by acting in line with the country to which the fund she earned was affiliated. Independent news website 'Medyascope' and its founder journalist Ruken Çakır are also among the names on the list.
Canan: Neither a shame nor a crime to get funding
Speaking to CFWIJ about the threats she received, Canan Kaya said the ground for the attacks that have been running for three days was organised and prepared in advance. Referring to the statement of the Director of Communications Unit of Turkey, Fahrettin Altun, “The statement of Fahrettin Altun that a regulation will be made regarding EU funds, revealed how dangerous this lynching campaign is. EU funds to support independent media have been there for years and it is a transparent system. Therefore, this is neither a shame, nor a crime, nor something to be ashamed of. No matter how difficult the conditions get, we will not give up on our job,” Canan told CFWIJ.
After the discussions, Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun announced that new regulations will come for independent journalists. Especially for the journalists who are funded by the EU or other countries. “We will not allow activities under new guises,” he said in his statement.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands with the journalists who are targets of racist attacks. We condemn the vicious attacks against journalists. Journalists must be respected who especially prefer independent journalism by choosing difficult conditions to make a living; We hope they get support, being targeted instead.
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.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.