Yeni Parti İstanbul Deputy Prof. Dr. Fethi Açıkel visited journalist İsmail Arı, who is being held in Sincan Prison. Following the visit, Arı's messages regarding prison conditions, press freedom, and the solidarity shown toward journalists were shared with the public.
Arı stated that the ward he is in is filled beyond its capacity and that they are experiencing problems accessing basic necessities. Expressing that he was not provided with a blanket or pillow, and therefore had to purchase them from the canteen for approximately 1,000 TL, Arı said that his petition was only processed after he filed complaints.
Stating that his connection to the outside world is limited in prison, Arı noted that there is only one television in the crowded ward. He argued that it is almost impossible to follow Turkey's real agenda and the voices of journalists through mainstream media.
Arı also touched upon the marches held over the weekend demanding freedom for journalists and the messages of support from his colleagues. Stating that this solidarity reached them by crossing the prison walls, Arı expressed that this once again demonstrated the meaning of the struggle for journalism.
Those who want to silence us should know this: You can put journalists in prison, but you cannot lock up the truth. You cannot eliminate the public's right to receive news, their will to learn the truth, and their solidarity.
In his message, Arı emphasized that journalism is practiced to make visible what is intended to be hidden from the public and to defend the public's right to receive news. Thanking his colleagues and citizens who supported him and other imprisoned journalists, Arı said, “Journalism is not a crime. We will not give up on pursuing the truth or defending the public's right to receive news.”
News Source: 12punto
