Journalists march in Istanbul and Izmir against press crackdowns

Journalists held demonstrations in Istanbul and Izmir on 24 October to protest growing pressure on press freedom. The marches were organized by press professional organizations under the slogan "No to censorship, yes to free news."

In Istanbul, journalists marched from Kadikoy Bogaz to the pier. A large police presence was deployed during the march and the statement. In Izmir, the procession started in front of the Alsancak Turkan Saylan Culture Center and continued along Cyprus Martyrs Street toward Alsancak Port.

“Journalism is not with governments, politicians or capital; it is with the people.”

Representatives of several political parties attended, including DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimogullari, EMEP General Secretary Seyit Aslan, YENI Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Ozgur Celik, DEM Party Spokesperson Aysegul Dogan, and YENI Party MPs Ozgur Karabat, Gokhan Zeybek and Mahmut Tanal. Press union leaders such as TGS Chairman Gokhan Durmus, TGS General Secretary Sibel Gunes and Press Council Chairman Pinar Turenc carried the banner.

The names of imprisoned journalists Selahattin Gunday, Ismail Ari, Saban Sevinc, Merdan Yanardag, Irem Delice, Murat Agirel, Fatih Ergün and Tugba Tekerek were repeated during the march. Ismail Ari's letter from Sincan prison was read in Izmir, in which he said they would defend journalism to the end.

TGS Chairman Gokhan Durmus read a joint statement titled "Enough! We Cannot Breathe." The statement said journalism must stand with the people, not with governments, politicians or capital. Izmir Journalists Association President Dilek Gappi said journalists struggle against detention, arrest, censorship and economic insecurity.

The demonstrations marked the anniversary of the trusteeship appointed to TELE 1 television. Staff from Halk TV, which was placed under trusteeship the previous week, also took part in the Istanbul march.