ÇGD turns 47: 'We have a call for the public as much as we do for our colleagues'

The Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD) issued a statement on the occasion of its 47th anniversary. In the statement, which emphasized the increasing pressure on journalism, it was stated, "With the support of all our colleagues and the public, we will continue to shout that 'Journalism Is Not a Crime'!" 

The full text of the statement is as follows: 

"Today, our profession is under attack on all these fronts. These attacks are not new, but they continue by changing form and shape and becoming more severe.

Forty-seven years ago, on February 23, 1978, the Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD) set out against the pressures of media bosses and the exclusionary attitudes of the professional organizations of that period. Founded by Alaattin Orhan, Mehmet Genç, Osman Z. Yüksel, Mehmet Öztoprak, Necmiye Aba, Alaattin Sevim, and Cengiz Kuşçuoğlu, the association carries its traditions and struggle into the future together with all its members.

ÇGD members, who have made the struggle a profession, know very well that as we journalists defend our profession and the public's right to receive information, the attacks have increased and our members have been targeted. However, ÇGD has never given up on the struggle or on defending the public's right to receive information.

During Turkey's most difficult periods, ÇGD, which has not taken a single step back from the struggle for journalism with the spirit of its founding will, is well aware of its leading and exemplary role in this field. We know that we need this more than ever today.

There is only one way to counter the ever-increasing threats against our profession, which is targeted every time by legal regulations under the guise of the government saying 'the target is not journalism,' and that is to organize. It is an indisputable fact that we need to act together and show solidarity today. For this reason, we invite all our colleagues with whom we have no differences of opinion regarding professional principles to organize under the roof of ÇGD and to be a breath of fresh air in our profession's honorable march into the future.

We have full faith that we can overcome the detention and arrest of journalists solely on the grounds of 'reporting,' as well as attempts at censorship and self-censorship that violate human dignity, and threats of job insecurity, all together.

Today, we have a call for the public as much as we do for our colleagues. Let it not be forgotten; when journalists are pressured or forced to work under conditions of insecurity, the target is not just our colleagues. When journalists' right to report is obstructed, the public's right to receive information is usurped. It is vital that the public perceives this reality as such, does not forget it, and stands by the journalists who fight against it.

With the support of all our colleagues and the public, we will continue to shout that 'Journalism Is Not a Crime'!

Here is to many more 47 years where journalism and journalists will be free.

Long live press freedom, long live our organized struggle, long live ÇGD."

News Source: 12punto