The full text of the press statement by the ÇGD is as follows:
"Press freedom in Turkey is coming under an increasingly greater threat, and journalists are facing more and more pressure to make their voices heard. Most recently, the arrest of 10Haber reporter Furkan Karabay due to his reports and tweets regarding the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özer and the appointment of a trustee is a concrete example of this situation.
The arrest of a journalist solely for reporting the news and informing the public is a serious blow to press freedom and democratic values.
Such arrests mean silencing the press and keeping the public away from the truth. We will not surrender to this climate of fear! We shout once again: Journalism is not a crime."
The statement issued by DİSK Basın-İş included the following remarks:
"Our member, 10Haber reporter Furkan Karabay, has been arrested. Karabay was referred to the judgeship by the prosecutor's office with a request for his direct arrest without his statement being taken, and a decision was made to arrest Karabay.
It is not only Furkan Karabay who is being put on trial, but all journalists and the profession of journalism itself. This decision, which was carried out with fabricated accusations and under instruction, is part of the attacks on the journalism profession. We will continue to defend our profession and the public's right to receive news in the face of these attacks. Journalism is not a crime! Furkan Karabay must be released immediately!"
News Source: 12punto
