On December 19, Kurdish journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin tragically lost their lives in a drone strike orchestrated by the Turkish state near Kobanê. Both journalists, long-time contributors to Kurdish media, were actively reporting on Turkish army offensives and jihadist faction attacks in the self-governing region of Rojava. This event sparked outrage among press associations in Turkey, who planned a public demonstration in Istanbul to protest their murders. However, police intervention led to the detention of nearly 60 individuals, including journalists and local politicians, further escalating tensions surrounding press freedoms in the country.
In the wake of these events, the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (MKG) issued a resolute statement vowing to defend journalistic rights. Gülseren Yoleri, chairperson of the Human Rights Association in Istanbul, emphasized that opposing the prevailing political agenda leads to threats, judicial harassment, and violence against those who dare to speak out. The problematic situation was magnified during a related press conference where activists and labor unions gathered, openly denouncing the climate of intimidation that has engulfed Turkish journalism.
Ezgi Çadırcı, a reporter for Yeni Yaşam, expressed profound concerns over the increasing risks faced by journalists, highlighting that this was not an isolated incident. Since the beginning of this year, the death toll among journalists due to Turkish military aggressions has sadly risen to five. She asserted that instead of being protected, journalists are increasingly targeted, both through brutal detentions in Turkey and deadly assaults abroad.
Aside from the violence, arrests of journalists protesting these actions continue unabated, with many subjected to inhumane treatment during detainment. Esra Kılıç from the Association of Lawyers for Freedom reported instances of physical abuse and torture faced by detainees, underscoring a grim reality that silences dissent. Such violations are a blatant disregard for constitutional rights, as highlighted by various activists during the press conference.
Statements made by members of parliament and activists reiterated that the ongoing plight of journalists is fundamentally an attack on the truth itself. Musa Piroğlu from the DEM Party critiqued the government for trying to stifle free press, which serves as a voice for marginalized communities and the oppressed. Calls for the immediate release of imprisoned journalists resonated throughout the gathering, emphasizing their critical role in exposing realities that state structures would prefer buried.
As the press conference drew to a close, the air filled with chants affirming the strength and resilience of the free press. Advocates united in their determination to uphold journalism’s honor amidst the shadows of oppression. Their fight symbolizes the broader struggle for justice, truth, and the unwavering belief that uncovering the truth must never be silenced, no matter the risk.
Kurdish journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin were murdered in a drone attack by the Turkish state while covering military actions in Rojava. Following their deaths, demonstrators faced police repression during a planned protest in Istanbul. Human rights advocates, journalists, and political leaders condemned the government’s actions, stressing the danger facing journalists in Turkey today, calling for immediate action to defend press freedoms and uphold justice.
The brutal murders of Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin underscore a troubling climate for press freedoms in Turkey. With growing violence and suppression against journalists, those fighting for truth face severe risks. Advocacy groups and press associations are rallying to protect journalistic integrity and demand justice, shining a light on the essential role of the press in society. The collective voice of the people remains resolute: the free press cannot and must not be silenced.
The situation for journalists in Turkey, especially those covering controversial subjects like the Kurdish political movement, is perilous. Recent violent acts against journalists, including targeted killings and detentions, highlight the growing repression. The Turkish government, under the AKP-MHP coalition, is known for curbing press freedoms and silencing dissent, often categorizing opposing voices as threats. As a result, journalism has become one of the most dangerous professions in the country, leading to international condemnation and protests from human rights advocates.
Original Source: anfenglish.com
