Turkey: Terrorism Trial Begins For Kurdish Journalists Arrested Ahead of Elections - CFWIJ Welcomes Their Temporary Release
Location: Turkey, Ankara
Date: May 16, 2023Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
Eleven Kurdish journalists, including six women, are standing trial on bogus terrorism charges filed ahead of the country’s heated Presidential elections. The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands all journalists are acquitted immediately. Turkey must immediately cease its systematic oppression of the press.
On May 16, 2023, the first hearing commenced of the trial against Diren Yurtsever, Berivan Altan, Ceylan Şahinli, Habibe Eren, Öznur Değer, Zemo Ağgöz, and five other journalists. Day one concluded with the court expunging the journalists’ detention for the remainder of the trial. Nine spent close to seven months in prison awaiting trial.
Authorities accuse the journalists of being "members of a terrorist organization." Evidence provided by the prosecution includes the journalists’ tweets in the Kurdish language, the journalists using Kurdish sources in their reporting, and news reports critical of government policies produced by the journalists.
“Under Erdogan, we have documented the highest number of bogus legal charges and tedious court proceedings against women journalists doing their job”
The authorities have intensified their crackdown on journalists this year — especially targeting Kurdish media — with arrests, detentions, raids, and shutting down websites. Among the targeted outlets are the Kurdish Jinnews and Mesopotamia Agency.
"Under Erdogan, we have documented the highest number of bogus legal charges and tedious court proceedings against women journalists doing their job,” says Kiran Nazish, founding director of the CFWIJ. “But of course, if their job leads to shedding light on corruption and oppression by the state, it brings trouble."
First Hearing
Öznur Değer is accused of being a member of Dicle Fırat Journalists Association, which authorities argue promotes “terrorist propaganda.” Evidence provided are tweets by Değer in Kurdish on Mother Language Day and phone calls to Kurdish sources.
At the lawyers' request, Değer made her defense in Kurdish through an interpreter. According to MLSA, the presiding judge interrupted Değer to inquire whether Jin News, the media outlet she works with, has links with terrorist organizations.
The trial proceeded with the defense of Diren Yurtsever, news editor of Mesopotamia Agency. Yurtsever argued being a journalist at a registered law-abiding newsroom is not criminal. As a journalist, she stressed it is crucial to acknowledge and safeguard the rights of the Kurdish community.
Berivan Altan emphasized during her defense that attending the funeral of murdered Kurdish journalist Nagihan Akarsel and reporting on it is not criminal. She stated that the interviews she conducted with Kurdish people are part of the professional activities of a journalist.
Journalist Ceylan Şahinli stressed that authorities considering reporting on Kurdish people a criminal offense is contrary to democratic principles.
Habibe Eren said her coverage of underreported murders of women and children is categorized as a criminal offense. Eren has categorically denied the accusations against her.
After the journalists' defense, the court ruled to release all journalists — except Hamdullah Bayram — and removed judicial control measures imposed upon Zemo Ağgöz.
The trial is adjourned until July 5, 2023.
Representatives of press freedom and human rights organizations — including RSF, IPI, CPJ, TGS, and MLSA — attended day one of the court hearing.
Erdoğan era marked by pressures against women journalists
Since 2017, CFWIJ has been monitoring and documenting cases of violence and threats against women and non-binary journalists. We have frequently recorded the highest number of violations in Turkey.
Last year, CFWIJ documented at least 150 cases of violence against women journalists in the country, with at least 50 facing harassment and 47 subjected to physical violence while covering news in the field. There was a 27% increase in detention cases compared to 2021.
This year, Turkey remains at the top for violence against women journalists. Numerous journalists still face trials for their journalistic activities in cases lacking a solid foundation.
The most recent instance pertains to the 11 journalists apprehended from their residences during police raids, of which six were women.
Governments must protect and respect freedom of the press, a crucial component of a healthy and functioning democracy. CFWIJ demands the immediate release of 11 journalists who are being tried. The escalating pressure and aggression journalists face in Turkey is a disturbing trend against press freedom and shows a blatant disregard for freedom of the press. They are especially dangerous during elections. If the media cannot do its job without facing severe intimidation, the election results will always be open to question, undermining the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new government.
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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