Zafer Şahin reacts to Hande Fırat's 'defending the government' remarks: To FETÖ's trolls...

Milliyet columnist Şahin, in a post on his social media account, stated, "To FETÖ's trolls, to the municipal media that target us, and prepare the ground for them to mock usI cannot remain indifferent to an approach that ignores this. Life is about taking a stance. I am not eager to appear on screen," he stated.

Hürriyet Editor-in-Chief Ahmet Hakan stated that the task of defending the governmenthas been 'left to journalists,' adding, "Defending the government is too serious a task to be left to journalists."

Hakan had criticized the AKP for keeping its members of parliament away from television. Following this article by Hakan, Hürriyet columnistHande Fırat also addressed the issue in the second part of her article series titled "Now it's time to prick the needle," discussing whether politiciansappear ondebate programs orwhether they do not.stating that they are not being invited; "Unfortunately, journalists are conducting proxy broadcasts on their behalf. When that is the case,the journalist turns into a political party spokesperson. Whether it is a media outlet close to the opposition or the government, unfortunately, we have all crossedthe line," she said.

"NOT EAGERTO APPEAR ON SCREENDEFE"

Milliyet columnist Zafer Şahin also joined the debate and stated the following:

"Oh, those pro-government journalists who appear on screen, oh...

In the recenthistory of thiscountry, at allcritical turning points, because they stood by the state and the nation,their crimesaregreat...

Following thearticles and comments published today, I chose not to appearon the evening program.

To FETÖ'strolls and the municipal mediathat target us andprepare the ground for them to mock usI cannot remain indifferent to an approach that prepares [the ground for this]. Life is about taking a stand.

I am not eagerto appear on screen. From now on, I will focus on my own YouTube channel and social media, and I will continue to practice journalismin the direction I believe is in the best interest of my country and my state.

I wish everyone success. May God openthelet them speak up"

News Source: 12punto