Turkiye: Kurdish Journalist and Mayoral Candidate Safiye Alağaş Detained

JINNEWS managing editor released the next day without charge

Location: Turkiye, Diyarbakir
Date: January 28, 2024

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned about the recent detention of Safiye Alağaş, managing editor of JINNEWS and mayoral candidate for the People's Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party in Siirt province, Turkiye. While we acknowledge her subsequent release without charge, the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the extended duration of her custody are cause for alarm. This incident highlights a broader issue: the disproportionate harassment and unjust detention of Kurdish journalists and activists by Turkish authorities. We urge an inquiry into the circumstances of her detention at the Sinanlı Gendarmerie Station and demand authorities cease targeting the Kurdish press.

JINNEWS Managing Editor Safiye Alağaş was detained by the police on January 28, 2024, while traveling from Siirt to Diyarbakır. The police intercepted Alağaş's vehicle and cited a 2011 case in the Istanbul 10th Penal Court as the basis for her detention. She was taken to the Sinanlı Gendarmerie Station in the Bismil district of Diyarbakır, where her statement was recorded and released the following day.

Alağaş’s lawyer, Resul Temur, says the court informed them the police did not have a proper warrant and that her arrest may have been an error.

Kurdish media in Turkiye, which had long faced restrictions and discrimination, continues to be persecuted and curtailed. CFWIJ’s data from the last four years reveals that a significant majority (60 to 80%) of targeted women journalists in Turkiye are of Kurdish descent. These journalists often face baseless accusations of being affiliated with terrorist organizations solely because they report on their community or use their native language.

Safiye Alağaş plays a crucial role in advocating for women and marginalized communities through her work as editor for JINNEWS. The news agency has been a vital source of information, particularly focusing on issues concerning women and the LGBTI+ community, especially in regions predominantly inhabited by Kurds. In addition to her journalistic work, Alağaş is actively participating in the democratic process by running for co-mayor of Siirt province for the DEM Party in the upcoming local elections scheduled for March 31, 2024.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses serious concerns regarding the detention of Safiye Alağaş, as it raises questions about the freedom of the press and the ability of journalists to carry out their duties without fear of persecution. The use of a case from 2011 as the basis for her detention raises additional concerns about the potential misuse of legal mechanisms to suppress journalistic activities.

Alağaş's detention also has wider implications for the democratic process, as she is an active participant in local politics. This detention raises questions about the inclusivity of the political environment and the protection of those participating in the democratic process. We urge the authorities to ensure the fair treatment of Safiye Alağaş, respecting her rights as a journalist and a political candidate. We call for a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to her detention. It is crucial to uphold the principles of press freedom and protect the rights of those advocating for the rights of women and marginalized communities.

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 women 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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