UGC statement on January 10 Working Journalists Day: 'The honor and dignity of the journalism profession in Turkey no longer exist'

The International Journalists Association (UGC) released a message for January 10 Working Journalists Day. In the text penned by President Ahmet Öz, the statement, "The honor and dignity of the journalism profession in Turkey no longer exist," was included.

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UGC statement on January 10 Working Journalists Day: 'The honor and dignity of the journalism profession in Turkey no longer exist'

International Journalists Association (UGC) President Ahmet Öz, in his message released for January 10 Working Journalists Day, emphasized the importance of working in unity and solidarity to local and national press members and working journalists.

Öz also stated that the journalism profession in Turkey is going through difficult times.

Written statement made by Ahmet Öz on behalf of the UGC:

"Journalists should be the voice, ear, and eye of the public. They should practice their profession in an impartial and free manner. However, unfortunately, in Turkey, local and national press organizations and working journalists have been divided into three.

One of these is the pro-government press and journalists, the second is the opposition press and journalists, and the third is the free, impartial press and journalists that are, as they should be, the voice, ear, and eye of the public.

'NOT ONLY ARE WE UNABLE TO BE THE VOICE OF THE PUBLIC...'

Due to this three-way division, journalists have great difficulty in conveying the problems of the public to the authorities. Unfortunately, not only are we unable to be the voice, ear, and eye of the public, but the problems of journalists also cannot be solved due to this polarization. Because of this three-way division, the honor and dignity of the journalism profession in Turkey no longer exist.

You must practice free and impartial journalism. If all kinds of biased journalism are practiced, we are not only unable to be the voice, ear, and eye of our people, but we are also unable to fully practice our profession.

Furthermore, we cannot solve the problems of journalists. Sever your ties with politics. Be the voice, ear, and eye of the public. Practice your journalism profession. We are not politicians, we are journalists.

If all journalists in Turkey work in unity and solidarity, the problems and difficulties in the journalism profession will be solved."

News Source: 12punto