Turkey: Covid-19 Threatens Imprisoned Women Journalists, But One Has Been Released
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Date: March 27, 2020Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
Mezopotamya Agency reporter Sadiye Eser was released by an Istanbul court on March 26. She was arrested for “being a member of a terrorist organization”. The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes Sadiye’s release.
We also demand Turkish authorities to release other women journalists, especially because of the risk they are in with the coronavirus outbreak.
Sadiye was detained after leaving the Mesopotamia Agency office in Istanbul on November 29, 2019. She was arrested on December 2, 2019 because of statements given by a secret witness.
Following the coronavirus outbreak, Sadiye attended the hearing via the SEGBİS system (sound and vision information technology system). Nobody, apart from the lawyers, were present in the courtroom.
During the hearing, she denied the accusations against her. When speaking in her defence, her lawyers demanded her release, and called the charges against her baseless.
Dilek Akyol, the witness who also spoke during the hearing via the SEGBİS system, said that she did not know the journalist. Her statements were only based on the unconfirmed information she had received. On the other hand, the prosecution requested the continuation of Sadiye’s detention.
The court delegation, which took a 10-minute break from the hearing, decided to release her with a judicial control condition, and postponed the next hearing until October 15, 2020.
The world is witnessing a global pandemic in the shape of Covid-19. During these uncertain times, it is crucial for governments worldwide to make way for press freedom. Recently released Turkish journalist Sadık Topaloğlu, spoke about the state of journalists locked behind bars. Conditions inside prison leave them vulnerable to health risks. Sadık mentions in his video that existing precautions are not enough to fight against coronavirus.
We are aware that several women journalists are languishing inside Turkish jails. Their health and safety is at risk too. The Coalition For Women In Journalism urges governments around the world, particularly in Turkey, to release all imprisoned journalists.
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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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