A coalition of 15 prominent human rights and media freedom organisations has united to urge Turkish authorities to cease their assaults on peaceful demonstrators, journalists, and freedom of expression. Their collective statement highlighted grave concerns regarding the government’s oppressive actions following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, which has escalated actions against media outlets and protesters alike.
İmamoğlu, arrested amidst a wave of over 100 targeted individuals since March 19, is facing various charges that have sparked nationwide protests. In response, law enforcement has brutally quashed dissent, with Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirming the detention of nearly 2,000 individuals during these protests.
The crackdown extended beyond arrests, with significant media censorship occurring. Official sanctions against various outlets and the blocking of independent news platform Bianet further stifled journalistic freedom. Several journalists covering the civil unrest faced detainment at home, while BBC reporter Mark Lowen was expelled from Turkey.
The coalition of organisations stresses that media must function without governmental constraints to uphold public discourse. They condemned actions that intimidate journalists into sharing only sanctioned narratives, insisting on the necessity for unrestricted reporting on matters of public interest, especially regarding law enforcement’s conduct.
Social media has emerged as a crucial arena for independent voices in Turkey, yet the government is hastily imposing stringent restrictions on such platforms. The coalition reminded authorities of their international obligations to uphold the right to peaceful assembly, criticising blanket bans on protests as excessive and unwarranted.
The organisations expressed their condemnation of force used against peaceful protesters, calling for thorough and impartial investigations into any reported human rights violations, particularly those involving the treatment of protesters by law enforcement.
Fifteen human rights organisations have urged Turkey to end its crackdown on free expression and peaceful protests, stemming from the detention of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Their statement addresses the government’s oppressive actions against journalists and civil society, calling for accountability and protection for media reporting. Protests have faced severe government backlash, including mass arrests and media censorship.
The urgent call for action from 15 human rights organisations highlights a growing concern over Turkey’s systematic suppression of freedoms, especially following the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor. As protests surge, the government’s limitations on media and public assembly threaten democratic principles. The emphasis on protecting journalistic integrity and the right to protest underscores the need for accountability and adherence to international human rights standards.
Original Source: stockholmcf.org
