Media organizations react to the detention of Alican Uludağ

Journalist Alican Uludağ was taken from his home and detained yesterday morning over a social media post, facing accusations of "publicly disseminating misleading information" and "inciting the public to hatred and hostility." The journalist, who spent the night at the Ankara Police Department's Private Security Branch, is expected to be referred to the courthouse during the day.

Uludağ's detention was criticized by many professional organizations and members of the press, primarily the Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD), the Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS), the Journalists Association, and the Communication Workers Solidarity Network. In a press statement held in front of the Ankara Courthouse, these institutions expressed their reaction to the actions taken against their colleague.

ÇGD President Kıvanç El stated in his address there that the fact that journalists are constantly forced to gather in front of courthouses is an indication that journalistic activities are being criminalized. El said, "Alican Uludağ was detained in February and released in May. Now he is in custody again. Of course, investigations can be opened against journalists, but the method for this should not be detention and home raids. We find it particularly wrong that they are taken into custody in front of their children. He could have been summoned, and he would have given his statement. He has come to the courthouse many times in the past, given his statement, and the processes have continued."

Kıvanç El also emphasized that the raid on Uludağ's home was unacceptable, stating, "He is currently at the Ankara Police Department. We want him to be brought to the courthouse as soon as possible, his statement to be taken, and for him to be released. The criminalization of journalism and the portrayal of his comments and social media posts as criminal elements is not acceptable. Alican Uludağ is a journalist, a good journalist. He must be released immediately and return to his duties."

"JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME"

TGS Ankara Branch President Sinan Tartanoğlu recalled the process from which Uludağ was recently released and stated that his detention again on similar grounds is unlawful. Expressing that there are many journalists in prisons due to their journalistic activities, Tartanoğlu said, "Two months later, we are once again faced with a practice that is contrary to both the law and the truth. There are many journalists in prisons, and many journalists under investigation. We have no choice but to say 'enough is enough'."

Pointing out that journalists' right to report is constantly being obstructed, Tartanoğlu stated, "Every time, we say 'Journalism is not a crime.' We want to report the news, make our social media posts, and express our criticisms freely. However, every time we are faced with a mentality that says 'you cannot do this.' How journalism should be practiced is determined by universal principles. Alican Uludağ is also practicing journalism in accordance with these principles. We want him to be released as soon as possible and for both him and other journalists not to face such practices."

Following the statements, the gathered journalists protested the detention decision with applause and slogans of "Journalism is not a crime." Professional organizations and members of the press united in their demand for an end to the situation where journalists are tried or subjected to pressure for practicing their profession.

News Source: 12punto