Outcry over the detention of Barış Terkoğlu: 'Journalism is not a crime'

Journalist Barış Terkoğlu has been detained by gendarmerie teams. The detention of Terkoğlu due to a report he produced has drawn a flood of reactions from journalists and politicians.

JOURNALIST BARIŞ TERKOĞLU DETAINED

Journalist Barış Terkoğlu was detained due to a report he produced on Onlar TV. In a statement regarding Terkoğlu's detention, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office noted, "An investigation has been initiated against suspect Barış Terkoğlu for the crime of 'publicly disseminating misleading information' in accordance with Article 217/a of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), and the suspect has been detained by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command in accordance with our instructions."

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir:

"Those who fear the light of truth are once again seeking a solution in the darkness. Journalist Barış Terkoğlu was detained solely because he reported the truth and told the public the facts. We stand with Terkoğlu against those who treat journalism as a crime."

CHP Deputy Chairman Responsible for Media and Public Relations Burhanettin Bulut:

"Journalist Barış Terkoğlu was detained due to a news video published on Onlar. Instead of pursuing criminals, journalists who carry the responsibility of informing the public of the truth are being targeted. This attitude is a clear act of intimidation against journalists who write the truth. Efforts to silence the free press are a threat to society's right to receive information and are unacceptable."

Journalist Timur Soykan:

"Barış Terkoğlu was detained for reporting the truth. It has been confirmed that the report was accurate, that a prosecutor at the scene showed their ID to the police, and that the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) has launched an investigation."

TİP Chairman Erkan Baş:

"We are not going to believe that this government, which has brought barons, mafias, and gangs upon the country, is now cleaning things up. If they were sincere in their intentions, they would have presented a plaque to Terkoğlu, who revealed the extent of the rot in the bureaucracy with his report yesterday; instead, they just detained him! No matter what you do, this public will not bow down to you. May your oppression increase so that you may find your end quickly! Release journalist Barış Terkoğlu immediately!"

CHP Deputy Chairman Responsible for Legal Policies Gökçe Gökçen:

"Barış Terkoğlu is in custody for practicing journalism. It is unacceptable to target journalists who investigate and report on crimes instead of fighting actual crimes. Journalism is not a crime!"

CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba:

"Journalist Barış Terkoğlu was detained due to a video he shared on Onlar. If journalists who report the news are being detained, there is no justice here, but a regime of fear. The detention of Barış Terkoğlu is a clear act of intimidation. You cannot hide the truth by silencing journalism. Barış Terkoğlu must be released immediately."

CHP Ordu Deputy Seyit Torun:

"You cannot silence journalists who write the truth. Detaining Barış Terkoğlu is a sign of the panic of a dirty order. We will not be silent."

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır:

"You cannot silence journalists who write the truth. Detaining Barış Terkoğlu is a sign of the panic of a dirty order. We will not be silent."