Turkey: CFWIJ Condemns Police Violence Against Journalist Zeynep Kuray
Location: Turkey, İstanbul
Date: February 16, 2022Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
Journalist Zeynep Kuray was deliberately targeted and prevented from filming the Peoples' Democratic Party’s (HDP) demonstration in İstanbul. The journalist was forcibly taken out from the field and her rights to report were violated while she was following the event. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the security forces comply with the circular decision that was suspended by the State Council.
Independent journalist Zeynep Kuray was forcibly removed from the protest arranged by HDP in İstanbul. She was also prevented from filming the event where was taken a place in Şirinevler Square. Zeynep took to her Twitter account and shared the video she filmed while attacked by the police forces. “At the call of HDP Istanbul Organization at Şirinevler Square press was forcibly removed from the area,” she quoted.
This is not the first time that Zeynep has faced police brutality while reporting in the field.
The journalist was subjected to physical assault many times while reporting. Her equipment was damaged and also attempted to confiscate during her journalistic activities.
On April 27, 2021, a circular was issued by the General Directorate of Security to interfere with press freedom in Turkey. The new police circular was about banning all audio-visual recordings of citizens at protests. The police instructed officers to prevent people from filming or recording security forces on smartphones while they are on duty, citing that "a violation of officers privacy" and “prevented public duty". However, as a result of the application of press organizations to the State Council for the suspension and annulment of the circular, a lawsuit was filed, and it was unanimously decided to stop the execution of the circular. The decision emphasized lifting restricts the freedom of information and press.
The CFWIJ is extremely concerned about the escalating police violence and pressure against journalists. Journalists are responsible for informing the public and reporting developments. The police forces violated the journalists' right to report and the public's right to information. We call on the Turkish authorities to implement the decision of the State Council.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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