Statement from the Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD) on Gazete Duvar: Independent journalism in Turkey is under severe threat

Gazete Duvar has ceased operations after deciding to end its publication life due to a decline in financial earnings caused by an algorithm implemented by Google. A statement has been issued by the Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD), in which they expressed their reaction to Google. 

The full statement is as follows: 

"Independent and free journalism in Turkey is unfortunately under severe threat. The decision by Gazete Duvar to close down, following a series of downsizing decisions at various institutions, cannot be explained solely by economic difficulties. The disappearance of independent media outlets or journalists becoming unemployed is, above all, a major blow to the journalism profession. It is a fact that the 'traffic censorship' applied by Google to many sites that are not at the center of power will unfortunately lead to many more internet news sites suffering a major blow. 

'A FREE PRESS IS THE FOUNDATION OF A FREE SOCIETY'

In addition to the economic conditions Turkey is currently facing, independent and free journalism in Turkey is unfortunately under severe threat today due to algorithms changed by Google without even providing an explanation. The decision by Gazete Duvar to close down, following a series of downsizing decisions at various institutions, cannot be explained solely by economic difficulties. The disappearance of independent media outlets or journalists becoming unemployed is, above all, a major blow to the journalism profession. It is a fact that the 'traffic censorship' applied by Google to many sites that are not at the center of power will unfortunately lead to many more internet news sites suffering a major blow. This arrangement, or rather this covert censorship, which threatens the public's right to receive news, must be abandoned immediately. Journalists will continue their struggle for the public's right to receive news. However, now is the time, together and more than ever, to protect the independent and free press. A free press is the foundation of a free society. Let us grow our struggle together."