Location: Turkey, Batman
Date: January 22, 2021

Available in: 🇹🇷  Türkçe

The second hearing of the trial against the Jiyan News managing editor Sonya Bayık was held today. She was detained for covering the protest held in Hasankeyf two years ago and released on charges of "violating the laws of marches". The next hearing was postponed to May 27, 2021. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) considers filing lawsuits against journalists constantly aims to silence the press. We demand Sonya's acquittal.

Sonya Bayık, managing editor of Jiyan News, was detained in June 2019 for following the protest held against the flooding of Hasankeyf and was released after on charges of violation of the law on meetings and demonstrations. The second trial against her was held in Batman’s 1st Criminal Court of First Instance. In Sonya’s defense, she said that she was a journalist and went to cover the press release and demonstration. The journalist stated that people who participated in the protest were subjected to disproportionate police violence with plastic bullets and tear gas. She reported she was taken into custody despite showing her press card to the police. Sonya did not accept any of the charges against her and demanded her acquittal from the court.

The court decided to request the reason behind the press release ban that subjects the case by writing to Hasankeyf District Governorship and to examine the footage taken during the demonstration.

Since the beginning of 2021, CFWIJ has monitored and documented nine cases of judicial enforcement against women journalists and we are deeply concerned about these blows to press freedom.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism keeps a close eye on the rights violations taking place in Turkey. We condemn the case against journalist Sonya Bayık solely for doing her job and demand her acquittal. We reiterate the authorities once again journalism is not a crime.

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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.

Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ. Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org

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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