Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants for 42 Journalists

In Turkey, arrest warrants have been issued for at least 42 journalists. They are accused of promoting a military coup and links with the opposition Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, residing in the United States. Given the gravity of the charges, members of the media can expect lengthy jail sentences - from ten years to several life sentences.

The Turkish authorities have suggested that in addition to the military, civil servants, judges and researchers the coup attempt also involved journalists. Investigators believe they are also included in the group Parallel State (PYD), which was aimed at undermining the constitutional order in the country and displacing the current government. In addition, journalists are suspected of having links with the opposition Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, residing now in the United States and also charged with the implementation of the failed coup in Turkey.

According to recent data, police arrested five journalists from the list in Istanbul: Yakup Saglam, Ibrahim Balta, Sayyid Kilic, Bayram Kaya and Cihan Acar. The other suspects were also sought to detain, but still not found. If the charges are confirmed, the journalists can wait from ten years to several life terms, said Hurriyet. However, as reported by the Turkish media, 11 journalists from the list have already left the country.

It is known that among the accused journalists there is a famous columnist and former MP Ilicak Nazli, who was fired in 2013 from the pro-government Daily Sabah newspaper for criticizing ministers drawn into the corruption scandal.

Such actions of the Turkish authorities displeased the International Federation of Journalists, which, in turn, appealed to the Council of Europe. This was stated by the President of the Federation Philippe Leroux. "This concern is greater than ever, and we call on the Turkish authorities in general and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in particular, to respect freedom of the press," said Leroux.  --02D-