TGC visits imprisoned journalist İsmail Arı

The Board of Directors of the Journalists Association of Turkey (TGC) visited their member, Birgün newspaper reporter İsmail Arı, who has been imprisoned at Sincan Prison in Ankara for 75 days. Zeynel Lüle attended the "closed" visit on Thursday, June 4, 2026, on behalf of the TGC Board. İsmail Arı, who was arrested on charges of "publicly disseminating misleading information" and "violation of confidentiality," stated during the visit that the arrest of journalists targets the public's right to information, saying:

"I believe the accusations directed at me and the social media posts cited as grounds are merely a pretext. Am I here because my reports made someone uncomfortable? For years, I have only done journalism. I have tried to make the voices of those seeking justice heard and to reveal the truths that the public needs to know. That is why I am here today. There may be those who want to silence me, but I will not give up on journalism. I have continued to write and report while in prison, and I still do. The arrest of journalists is not only an attack on journalists but also on the public's right to receive information. Therefore, my request to citizens is to stand up for journalists and the freedom to receive information. Because journalism is not a crime, and in the end, the truth will prevail. Tomorrow, I will base my defense on the accuracy of the reports that served as the grounds for my arrest, and I will explain that journalism is not a crime. I expect to be released."

TGC Board Member Zeynel Lüle made the following statement after visiting İsmail Arı.

"According to the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Journalists in Turkey, 'A journalist has the right to follow, investigate, and announce to the public all events that concern the public.' İsmail Arı has fulfilled his duty to inform the public with the reports he has produced to date. He has received awards from the Journalists Association of Turkey for his reporting. We hope he will be released at the first hearing. Legal regulations enacted to combat disinformation should not be applied as a tool to limit or deter freedom of the press and freedom of expression, which are indispensable elements of a democratic social order. Freedom of the press and expression is the indispensable foundation of a democratic society. In an environment where press freedom is weakened, it is impossible for society to learn the truth. Depriving journalists of their freedom due to their reports, writings, and critical views is unconstitutional. We once again present to the public our demand for the release of our members İsmail Arı, Merdan Yanardağ, and all imprisoned journalists. #JournalismIsNotACrime ."

Birgün reporter İsmail Arı will appear before a judge for the first time on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Ankara 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The hearing will also be monitored by the TGC Board of Directors and press professional organizations.