Reaction to Timur Soykan's detention: 'Journalism is not a crime, freedom of expression cannot be hindered'

Journalist and author Timur Soykan, who was detained on Saturday, July 5, 2025, due to his social media posts, was referred to the courthouse today. Representatives from the Journalists Association of Turkey (TGC), the Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS), DİSK Basın-İş, and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) gathered in front of the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan to support Soykan. The journalists demanded Soykan's immediate release.

TGC: "JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME"

TGC Secretary General Sibel Güneş emphasized that Soykan is a journalist who has received awards for press freedom.

"Our colleagues are being detained after every criticism. These practices are incompatible with the principles of a democratic state of law. Timur Soykan must be released and allowed to continue his profession. Journalism is not a crime, and the public's right to receive information must not be hindered."

Recalling that they have been gathering at the Çağlayan Courthouse for years for the same reasons, Sibel Güneş stated, "Everyone who practices journalism in this country eventually comes in front of this building one day. This should no longer be normalized."

DİSK BASIN-İŞ: "OUR FRIEND IS RIGHT, WE STAND BEHIND HIS JOURNALISM"

DİSK Basın-İş Board Member İzel Sözer stated that Soykan acted with journalistic responsibility:

"As professional organizations, we know that Timur Soykan was doing journalism. Commentary is also a part of journalism. We stand behind our friend. We expect this process to be concluded fairly as soon as possible."

TGS: "WE ARE HERE FOR SOLIDARITY"

TGS Istanbul Branch President Özgür Deniz Kaya also expressed that they were there to support Soykan and said:

"Journalism is not just about reporting news; it also includes the right to comment and criticize. Timur Soykan is in detention for exercising this right. We are here to show our solidarity and ensure his release."

News Source: 12punto