TGC: It is unacceptable to attempt to intimidate 26 Sözcü newspaper reporters and writers through criminal complaints

The statement included the following views:

“New restrictions on press freedom are being added every day. Most recently, Cengiz Holding boss Mehmet Cengiz filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office against 26 reporters and writers from Sözcü newspaper due to the news they reported and the articles they wrote.

We believe that this attempt will not find support in a fair judicial system.

Because; according to the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Journalists in Turkey, a journalist is primarily responsible to the public and the truth. In accordance with the public's right to information, a journalist must convey the facts without distortion while exercising the freedom to report, comment, and criticize, regardless of the consequences for themselves.

If there is a public interest in reporting the news, if it is current, if it conforms to the apparent truth, and if it has been written by taking professional principles into account, that news is considered lawful regardless of the consequences.

Journalists cannot be punished while performing their duties with the rights they derive from the Constitution and the Press Law.

Article 26 of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237 contains the provision that 'No penalty shall be imposed on a person who exercises their right.' For this reason, all similar attempts are doomed to failure.

It is unacceptable that journalists are being intimidated with compensation lawsuits and threats of imprisonment when the opposite process should be in operation; this should not find support.

Journalism is not a crime. The free circulation of news is essential for us to be a democratic country. Attempting to pressure journalists through criminal complaints, lawsuits, and prison sentences is contrary to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.”

News Source: 12punto