Turkiye: Investigation Initiated Against Zülal Kalkandelen for Article Questioning Activities of Religious Group
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns this attempt to silence Cumhuriyet's writer
Location: Turkiye, Istanbul
Date: September 13, 2023
Authorities have initiated an investigation into Zülal Kalkandelen for her column, which criticized the activities of religious groups with children under the protection of the state. The Coalition For Women In Journalism urges the Istanbul Prosecutor to dismiss this unfounded case and cease the harassment of journalists who are critical of the government.
On September 13, Zülal Kalkandelen, a journalist for Cumhuriyet, took to Twitter to reveal that she was being investigated by the Press Office of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
The investigation is in response to an article she wrote about a religious organization's involvement with children in state care. Kalkandelen is facing charges of spreading misleading information to the public and disturbing the peace and tranquility of the people.
Kalkandelen’s article discussed the controversy surrounding the Mutlu Yuva Association, which took children under state protection from children's homes to a 40-day training camp without any accompanying public officials. Kalkandelen highlighted concerns about the association's affiliation with the Suffa Foundation, a branch of the Nur Community, and the alleged provision of religious education in the form of madrasah education at the camp. She emphasized the importance of opposing religious influence in education, defending secularism, and protecting children from being handed over to religious sects.
Surprised that she was under investigation, Kalkandelen pointed out that various media outlets had widely reported the news in her article.
Cumhuriyet newspaper stands by its writer and vows to support her throughout the investigation. The case has also attracted attention from international press freedom organizations, who have called for a transparent and fair investigation process.
This latest development sheds light on the continuous legal harassment journalists and writers face in Turkiye, where press freedom and freedom of expression have been increasingly restricted in recent years. In July, another woman journalist, Seyhan Avşar from Halk TV, was investigated after reporting on children in state care. The Ministry of Family initiated a probe into the reporter after she exposed child abuse cases under state protection.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands an end to the state's harassment of journalists and critical media outlets. We call upon the Istanbul Prosecutor to dismiss this investigation and allow Zülal Kalkandelen to work freely without fear of reprisal.
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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