Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç: 'No one is detained for journalistic activities'

Three journalists from Halk TV, Barış Pehlivan, Serhan Asker, and Seda Selek, were detained yesterday evening around 18:00 on charges of using an audio recording of an interview conducted during a live broadcast without authorization.

After the three journalists were referred to the courthouse today, the first statement on the matter came from Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç. Minister Tunç said, "No one is detained for journalistic activity. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is evaluating a phone call made with an expert as part of an ongoing investigation. If you publish the defense of the other party without authorization, this constitutes a crime."

Continuing his remarks regarding journalism, Minister Tunç also responded to certain criticisms: 'We regret the statements made by Özel. It is extremely ugly to create polemics over such painful processes. We say let it touch whoever it may, while they say it should not touch us,' he stated.

'THE JUDICIARY WILL PROCEED TRANSPARENTLY'

'They have taken the matter under detailed review. Regardless of their position, both in the public and private spheres, the investigation has been deepened and is continuing within this framework. The pain of the families is still very fresh and quite difficult to bear. Those who caused this pain will eventually receive the punishment they deserve. The judicial process will proceed in a completely transparent manner. Regardless of the events and actions, all details will be shared with the public in an open manner.'

TARGETED EKREM İMAMOĞLU

Tunç also said, "We are facing a personality in İmamoğlu who constantly enjoys polemics; speaking with inappropriate styles is of no benefit to anyone. There is an individual who cannot handle the responsibility of 16 million Istanbulites. The words İmamoğlu said regarding the judiciary are not acceptable."

News Source: 12punto