Published On: 18/07/2016

Chaos in Turkey: OSCE concerned for media freedom

OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatoviฤ‡ said she was deeply saddened upon learning of the death of photojournalist Mustafa Cambaz in Turkey, and worried about the state of media freedom in the country.

 

โ€œI was deeply saddened to learn about Cambazโ€™ death,โ€ Mijatoviฤ‡ said. โ€œThe authorities must do their utmost to ensure journalistsโ€™ safety and free flow of information during times of crisis.โ€

Cambaz, a photojournalist with the media outlet Yeni Safak, was shot last night during the unrest in Turkey. Reportedly, a number of members of the media were detained last night for a short period of time. Some journalists were also injured, including Reporters Without Borders correspondent Selรงuk ลžamiloฤŸlu who was beaten when reporting from the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.

โ€œJournalists continue to put themselves in great danger in order to provide information to the public,โ€ Mijatoviฤ‡ said. โ€œThey must be able to report freely and safely.โ€

Further, Mijatoviฤ‡ noted reports that the editorial offices of several newspapers, including the Hรผrriyet newspaper, Hรผrriyet Daily News, and broadcaster CNNTรผrk, were raided and taken over for a few hours by a group of soldiers in Istanbul.

The Representative also welcomed the attention attributed to journalistsโ€™ safety by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in his public remarks today, expressing regret for any harm that media workers might have suffered during the events.

Mijatoviฤ‡ said she will continue to follow and closely monitor all issues related to media freedom and safety of journalists in the country.

Comment and share