Statement from the European Turkish Journalists Association regarding Özlem Gürses

The European Turkish Journalists Association (ATGB) has released a statement regarding journalist Özlem Gürses, who was detained due to comments she made on YouTube about the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

The statement included the following: "It is not journalism, but on the contrary, targeting and threatening journalists that is a crime. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression constitute the foundation of democratic societies. As the European Turkish Journalists Association (ATGB), we protest the detention of Özlem Gürses after she was targeted."

The statement issued by the ATGB included the following remarks:

"Threats and detentions targeting journalists who inform the public and disturb power centers with their news and articles continue in Turkey.

Most recently, journalist Özlem Gürses was detained in Ankara and brought to Istanbul due to a comment she made on her personal YouTube channel.

Gürses, who gave a statement on accusations of portraying the TSK as a criminal organization, is expected to be brought to the Çağlayan Courthouse.

Rejecting the accusations attributed to her in her statement, Gürses noted that she only made comments within the scope of freedom of expression.

Previously, Murat Ağırel, Timur Soykan, and Nasuh Mahruki were also detained for the same reasons and released shortly after.

The 'perception' method frequently used by the government is an anti-democratic practice directed at the public's freedom to receive information.

It is not journalism, but on the contrary, targeting and threatening journalists that is a crime. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression constitute the foundation of democratic societies. As the European Turkish Journalists Association (ATGB), we protest the detention of Özlem Gürses after she was targeted.

We suggest that those who govern the country be more sensitive to democratic rights and freedoms and that the necessary actions be taken immediately.

Journalism is not a crime!
Journalist Özlem Gürses is not alone!"