Turkey: CFWIJ Stands In Solidarity With Journalist Evrim Kepenek
Location: Turkey, Rize
Date: August 11, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
A man accused of child abuse lodges a police complaint against Bianet editor Evrim Kepenek, who revealed the abuse with her coverage. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) congratulates Evrim for achieving exemplary journalism and stands in solidarity with her. We demand the Turkish authorities impose criminal sanctions instead of releasing the abusive person.
Bianet editor Evrim Kepenek revealed a story about a six-year-old child who was abused by the father, Refik Y., in March 2021. However, after her coverage, the journalist gave testimony because Refik Y. filed a police complaint against the journalist, alleging that Evrim insults and violates his privacy. Refik Y. was first arrested for abusing his child and released under judicial control after a month of remaining in prison.
Evrim Kepenek took to her Twitter account and announced the complaint. She said, “An investigation was launched against me with the allegation of defamation because of my story of "The father who abused his child". I gave a statement at the Ardeşen Police Department”.
According to the Bianet, the journalist went to the Rize Ardeşen Şehit Halis Karoğlu Police Station and declared a statement in the presence of her lawyer, Şefik Çorbacıoğlu. Emphasizing that she was a "journalist" in her statement, Evrim said she covered the story based on the criminal file and forensic medical reports, and the incident was reported without comment or criticism. The journalist stated that there was no element of insult in her coverage. Adding to her statement that the suspect's name was not disclosed in the news, the journalist said that there was no violation of privacy and the content of the news was based on concrete facts.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism congratulates Evrim Kepenek for successful journalism. We stand with the journalist. We demand the Turkish authorities penalize the person instead of being released. Perpetrators of crimes should be prosecuted, not journalists. Journalism is not a crime.
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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