Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Date: April 27, 2020

Available in: 🇹🇷Türkçe

An investigation has been launched against journalist Zülal Koçer. She has come under fire for sharing images of police brutality from this year’s Feminist Night Walk.

The Governorship of Istanbul banned this year’s March 8 Feminist Night Walk. Despite the ban, thousands of women came together on Istiklal Street where the march was held. They were all subjected to police violence.

Journalist Zülal Koçer, who followed the march, took photos of the violence, and shared them on Twitter. An investigation was filed against her because of these images.

Announcing the investigation on her Twitter account, Zülal said, "It was my duty to cover the walk as a journalist and share what I have recorded with the public. I did so that day. This video I shared from my social media account was retweeted and liked by many people. Then some began tagging the police and interior ministry. I learned that the investigation has been launched today."

She said that she learned about the investigation when her friend called to ask about the case.

“Even though an investigation was launched due to this tweet, I do not know what I'm accused of. However, the only thing I have done is journalism. It is not surprising that they accuse me although I have not committed any offense,” she said.

“We know that practicing journalism in this country is too dangerous. Whenever journalists reveal the misdemeanors of the state, they are targeted and declared criminals. Journalism is not a crime. I will continue to record what I see and deliver it to the public,” she added.

We urge authorities to put an end to such practices. Using legal attacks to silence women journalists is a pattern that must stop.

No journalist deserves to be sent behind bars because of their journalism. Turkish authorities must let press freedom prevail.

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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.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.