The Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS) issued a statement on its social media account following the detention of BirGün newspaper reporter İsmail Arı in Tokat. TGS emphasized that Arı is constantly being targeted due to his journalistic activities and stressed that such practices are unacceptable.
BirGün newspaper reporter İsmail Arı was detained in Tokat, where he had gone for a holiday visit. Following his detention, Arı was taken to Ankara. It was noted that Arı has previously faced numerous investigations due to his journalistic work.
INVESTIGATIONS TARGETING JOURNALISTS' PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE UNACCEPTABLE
TGS stated that it is in no way acceptable for journalists to be subjected to investigations solely for performing their professional duties. In the statement, while emphasizing that “journalism is not a crime,” it was noted that Arı’s detention has turned into a mechanism of punishment, and his immediate release was demanded.
The statement pointed out that the obstacles journalists face while doing their jobs pose a major threat to press freedom. Arı’s detention has once again raised concerns regarding press freedom and the pressures faced by journalists.
News Source: 12punto
