CHP Leader Özel: The judiciary has turned into a political stick over press freedom

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel attended the 'Successful Journalists of the Year Awards' ceremony held by the Progressive Journalists Association.

Speaking at the ceremony, Özel stated that imprisoned journalists are being held unjustly, saying, "It is our duty to highlight that 17 journalist colleagues are still being held in prisons. Unfortunately, we have to think about and discuss this here. The judiciary has turned into a political stick over press freedom. When the 'disinformation' regulation was being introduced, journalism professional organizations and press labor unions objected. We objected, and all opposition parties objected to it," he said.

Commemorating journalists who lost their lives, Özel said, "Today is the Day of Journalists Who Lost Their Lives. I remember Musa Anter, Abdi İpekçi, Uğur Mumcu, Hrant Dink, and all the journalists whose names I cannot list here with mercy and gratitude. Once again, I share the pain of their families and the press community," he added.

"I congratulate all the award winners"

Stating that as the leader of the main opposition party, he voices injustices, Özel said, "As the main opposition leader who speaks on behalf of his party and who sees that the most intense and reactive segment in election squares, protest areas, and demonstrations are retirees, I don't know how many hours I have spoken on this issue; I have spoken about it at every group meeting. I congratulate them and all the award winners for these incredible and highly impactful reports, which truly go beyond mere journalistic activity and fulfill a very important social responsibility by making the unspoken heard, the unheard listened to, and showing the unseen while touching all of our consciences."

"There is a need for a Turkey where journalists' labor is not exploited"

Expressing his wish for journalists to be able to practice their profession freely, Özel said, "From now on, there is a need for a Turkey where journalists are not killed, not imprisoned, do not suffer, and unfortunately, where their labor is not so intensely exploited. We hope that something will change and everything will change," he stated.

The ceremony was also attended by Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan and other politicians.

News Source: 12punto