Merdan Yanardağ sends a message from prison

A solidarity event was organized at the Turkish Journalists Association (TGC) for journalist Merdan Yanardağ, who is imprisoned on charges of "espionage." During the event, Yanardağ's wife, Sevim Kahraman Yanardağ, read a letter sent by the journalist from Silivri Prison to the attendees. In his letter, Yanardağ described the decision to put TELE1 up for sale at a low price of 28 million Turkish Lira as "the plundering of our labor."

At the gathering, which saw significant attendance from representatives of the journalism world, TGC President Nazmi Bilgin expressed his criticisms regarding the sale of TELE1 and Yanardağ's imprisonment. Stating that Yanardağ continues his journalism even under prison conditions, Bilgin reiterated that they stand against interventions targeting the press and freedom of thought.

TELE1 Ankara Representative Zeynel Lüle said in his speech at the event: "During our visit as the TGC board, we saw that Merdan Yanardağ is stronger than us with his upright stance. He is in good health and continues to write. Instead of us giving him courage, he is actually giving us strength. We are waiting for his freedom. We hope that justice will be served at his hearing on May 11. Everyone is aware that the accusations directed at him are baseless and unfounded."

A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY AND BELIEF

Yanardağ's wife, Sevim Kahraman Yanardağ, expressed her feelings at the event as follows: "Before sharing Merdan's letter with you, I would like to state how difficult this process we are going through is. But such solidarity gives us strength and makes us feel that we are not alone. We believe that we will overcome these difficult days together."

The letter written by Yanardağ himself and sent from prison with the support of his relatives was read at the event. In his letter, Yanardağ stated that this solidarity holds great meaning for him as a prisoner of conscience, saying, "They wanted to silence us with an espionage conspiracy built on lies and slander, but we did not bow down. We will continue to defend journalism and democratic values under all circumstances."

Yanardağ noted the following in his letter: "The main purpose of the espionage conspiracy was to seize TELE1. Our television station was put up for sale before we even appeared in court. A low price of 28 million Turkish Lira, which is equivalent to only 3 months of operating expenses, was set by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF). We do not accept the attempt to transfer our labor to pro-government figures for next to nothing."

Yanardağ also included the following remarks: "TELE1 is a non-profit channel founded and managed by journalists. We rejected the high sums offered to buy it. Now that bullying and pressure have not worked, we are witnessing the plundering of our labor. But we will not give up on our determination."

In his letter, Yanardağ argued that the government aims to silence the opposition by exerting pressure on the press, adding, "We need to struggle and stand in solidarity to defend democracy and a free press. We will continue to pursue accurate information and the truth."

STRONG REACTIONS TO THE SALE OF TELE1

Speaking at the event, TGC President Nazmi Bilgin expressed his reaction by saying, "We strongly protest both the imprisonment of Merdan Yanardağ and the fact that TELE1 has been put up for sale at such a low price. This is not a sale; it is an operation to seize the channel. TELE1 belongs to its viewers and journalists. Democrats and those who believe in press freedom must unite against this collapse."

At the end of the event, Merdan Yanardağ's latest book was signed on his behalf by the journalists in attendance, sending a message of solidarity.

News Source: 12punto