TGC reacts to IBB trial conditions and accreditation at Ministry meeting

The Journalists Association of Turkey (TGC) has issued a statement regarding the working conditions of journalists covering the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) trial held in Silivri, as well as the exclusion of certain media outlets from a Ministry of Health meeting held in Istanbul.

The TGC emphasized that the ability of journalists to observe court hearings without physical obstacles and to access news sources are among the fundamental conditions of press freedom.

Narrowing the working areas of journalists, making news coverage difficult, and preventing the healthy observation of a hearing due to physical conditions constitute an interference with press freedom.

The statement noted that it is unacceptable for journalists covering the IBB trial to be “forced to follow the hearing as if through binoculars.” The TGC stated that journalists, who work in the public interest, must not be prevented from accessing information.

CRITICISM OF ACCREDITATION AT MINISTRY MEETING

In its statement, the TGC also expressed that an accreditation practice was applied at a meeting held in Istanbul on Saturday, August 15, 2026, by Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu. The Association stated that media outlets close to the government were invited to the meeting, while outlets such as Halk TV, Sözcü TV, Cumhuriyet, BirGün, and Diken were not invited.

Noting that discriminating against media outlets based on their editorial policies or political views at meetings organized by public institutions is incompatible with press freedom, the TGC emphasized that the Ministry of Health serves citizens of all political views, and therefore, journalists working for different media outlets should also be able to reach the Minister and ask questions.

The TGC called on officials acting on behalf of the public to refrain from using accreditation practices for discriminatory purposes, to adhere to the principle of equality among journalists, and not to hinder the public's right to receive information.

News Source: 12punto