A prominent politician’s recent threats against journalists in Türkiye is a stark reminder of the risks and ongoing obstacles media workers face while attempting to carry out their professional duties.
On 1 October, during his party’s group meeting, MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) leader Devlet Bahçeli singled out the news channel Halk TV and four of its journalists over their coverage of the Sinan Ateş murder, issuing a direct threat by stating, ‘Watch your step.’
In his speech, Bahçeli said, ‘Halk TV and CHP (Republican People’s Party), watch your step. You cannot question the Nationalist Movement Party with four clown reporters!’
These statements targeting journalists are extremely dangerous, particularly in light of Türkiye’s history of physical assaults and murders of journalists who have faced threats from politicians. Such threats against journalists fulfilling their professional duties are unacceptable.
Bahçeli’s remarks were made following the Sinan Ateş murder trial. During the proceedings, one of the defendants also targeted journalists with threatening language, while another, the alleged shooter of Ateş, made a gesture mimicking pulling a trigger at them. This underscores the urgent need to take these threats seriously.
The undersigned civil society organisations state that not only those making such threats but the government and relevant judicial authorities who remain silent in the face of these threats would be responsible for any potential attacks on the journalists investigating the Sinan Ateş murder.
Press freedom, the right to information, and the safety of journalists are core values of a democratic society. We therefore affirm our commitment to oppose any threats directed at Halk TV and journalists Şule Aydın, Barış Pehlivan, Murat Ağırel and Timur Soykan, and state that we will closely monitor judicial proceedings.
Signed
- Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
- Haber-Sen (News Workers Union)
- ARTICLE 19
- Progressive Journalists Association (ÇGD)
- Press Council
- Journalists’ Association
- Izmir Journalists’ Association
- Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS)
- DISK Press Workers Union
- Economy Reporters Association
- International Press Institute (IPI)
- Diplomacy Reporters Association (DMD)
- Dicle Fırat Journalists Association