The newspaper Cumhüriyet's editor-in-chief Can Dünar and Ankara Representative Erdem Gül have been arrested and referred to court on grounds of alleged espionage, membership in a terrorist association as well as publication and distribution of state secrets. Various media that are critical of the Turkish government such as Hürriet or Zaman and media corporations such as Koza Ipek or Dogan group see themselves constantly confronted with targeted governmental reprisals. President of the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, Rebecca Harms, criticizes this strongly:
"Already during my previous visit to Turkey, journalists of Cumhüriyet as well as other critical colleagues were under intense pressure. They described their situation as worse than during the military regime. This incidence therefore constitutes a further episode in a series of continuous reprisals and systematic intimidation of the free press.
President Erdogan has to be brought to his senses. He must not abuse his newly gained power. Journalists' fundamental rights are important in every condition. Particularly, in times shaped by terror, war and other threats, freedom of expression, including voices that are critical towards the government, is ever more crucial. The new Turkish government needs to stop ceaseless targeted intimidations and return to democratic rules.
The German Government and the European Union have to make sure to distinctly address the issues of freedom of expression and a free press at the upcoming EU-Turkey summit this weekend. The Heads of State or Government can no longer ignore the continuous breach of civil rights due to their intended cooperation with Turkey to solve the refugee crisis. This would make the alliance with Turkey a weak one. European states are co-responsible for the developments in Turkey. Those who intend to constructively stimulate the EU-Turkey negotiations have to clearly oppose the violation of fundamental rights.”
