A scene from “Tek Turkiye”
AIB is concerned about what appears to be a politically-motivated campaign of intimidation against journalists and media workers in Turkey.
The detention of editors and journalists over the past few days is worrying as it goes against norms of freedom of speech. It is essential that the press and media have the ability to do their work without fear of arrest. Their work- and the overall concept of, and adherence to, freedom of speech – is core to the functioning of any country that, like Turkey, aspires to be a democratic nation that respects the rule of law.
The detention of a number of staff working on the popular TV soap opera “Tek Turkiye” is also of concern to AIB. The arrest of writers and production staff – including, for example, graphic designers – on this soap opera is outrageous.
“Turkey enjoys a vibrant media market,” commented Simon Spanswick, chief executive of AIB. “This market has developed as a direct result of the freedom of expression that has existed in Turkey for many years. It is regrettable that this freedom now seems to be at risk. AIB calls for these detentions to be halted with immediate effect and for intimidation against the press and media workers to stop.”