The Board of Directors of the Journalists Association of Turkey (TGC) has issued a written statement regarding the attacks on Halk TV and KRT TV.
The statement included the following:
"Attacks against the press are direct attacks on the public's right to receive news and learn the truth. It is impossible to speak of democracy in a society where there is no press freedom.
Most recently, attackers forcibly entered the buildings of Halk TV and KRT TV. The attacker who entered the Halk TV building insulted the employees and damaged the channel's equipment. The attacker has been caught. It has emerged that the attacker has a long criminal record.
As for KRT TV, an individual claiming to be carrying a hand grenade forced their way in, bypassed security, and reached the management floor. The attacker was caught and taken into custody by law enforcement. A major danger was averted in both incidents. It has been announced that the court has arrested the two attackers in connection with the incidents.
Democracy is a regime of tolerance for different opinions. It is not a regime of uniform people, uniform journalists, and uniform news. It is gratifying that the perpetrators of the attacks have been caught and arrested. We expect the attackers to be given the punishment they deserve. We wish the employees of Halk TV and KRT TV a speedy recovery. Social peace cannot be achieved in an environment where newspapers, television stations, and journalists are constantly targeted. Journalism is not a crime."
News Source: 12punto
