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Özlem Gürses detained over remarks on her YouTube channel

Journalist Özlem Gürses had made remarks on her YouTube channel regarding the Turkish Armed Forces, stating, As you can see, the ISIS structure, that is, the TSK-SNA structure, has made small gains in regions where Kurds are present.

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The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into journalist Özlem Gürses on the grounds that she compared the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to a 'terrorist organization' in statements made on her YouTube account.

Gürses, who was detained in Ankara as part of the investigation, will be brought to Istanbul.

The statement issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the matter is as follows: "An investigation has been launched ex officio by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the individual named Samiye Özlem Gürses for the crimes of insulting the institutions and organs of the state and publicly spreading misleading information to the public, upon the determination that she compared our Turkish Armed Forces, the national army of our Republic, to a terrorist organization in a broadcast dated today, December 20, 2024, on her YouTube channel named 'TV OZ', by making remarks such as 'As you can see, the ISIS structure, that is, the TSK-SNA structure, has made small gains in regions where Kurds are present,' and by portraying it as an institution that acts together with terrorist organizations involved in torture and massacres and characterizing it as an occupier; the suspect has been apprehended and detained." the statement read.

DETAINED

Özlem Gürses, who is under investigation for "insulting the institutions and organs of the state" and "publicly spreading misleading information to the public," was detained in Ankara.

FIRST STATEMENT FROM GÜRSES'S MOTHER

Speaking to Sozcutv, Özlem Gürses's mother stated regarding her daughter's detention and the subsequent process, "My daughter has many friends, and they have all stood by us."

STATEMENT FROM CHP CHAIRMAN ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

Özel shared the following post on his social media account regarding the detention of Özlem Gürses:

The judiciary, politicized by the government, continues to intimidate journalists with detentions.

Journalist Özlem Gürses was first lynched over a specific sentence that suffered a shift in meaning under live broadcast conditions. 

Now, even though she would have gone to testify if summoned, she was abruptly detained upon the instruction of the Chief Prosecutor appointed to Istanbul with a special mission.

End this lawlessness immediately. Leave both the judiciary and the journalists alone.

Former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu shared a reaction message on his social media account regarding the detention of journalist Özlem Gürses.

Kılıçdaroğlu used the following expressions in his post:

"The Co-chair of the G.M.E.P. had journalist Özlem Gürses detained in the middle of the night by using the judiciary and the police as a cudgel!

Özlem Gürses is not a part of the pool media. She is an honorable journalist who can courageously express her thoughts. However, she is being intimidated and frightened because of this stance.

I stand with Ms. Özlem and I will follow this matter to the end."

MANSUR YAVAŞ: THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT APPROACH

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş shared the following post on his social media account regarding the detention of Özlem Gürses:

Freedom of the press is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and freedom of expression is an indispensable value for the progress of societies. Detaining journalist Özlem Gürses directly instead of summoning her to testify is not the right approach in terms of the rule of law and democratic values. Such practices are not only an individual violation of rights but also increase concerns about the ability of the press to perform its duties freely. While respecting judicial processes, it is essential for a strong and fair democracy that members of the press can perform their duties freely and impartially without being under any pressure or fear.