The ongoing struggle for press freedom in Turkey has witnessed another critical incident, as the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS) was denied access to meet with journalist Elif Akgül, currently detained amid controversial charges. Akgül, a former editor of bianet’s freedom of expression section, was arrested on February 18 as part of an extensive investigation involving the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK), a coalition of leftist and pro-Kurdish organizations. The TGS’s efforts to facilitate communication with Akgül have been thwarted, raising alarms about the treatment of journalists in pre-trial detention and the broader implications this has for freedom of expression in Turkey.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Arrest of Elif Akgül |
| 2) Denied Access by Authorities |
| 3) Responses from the Journalists’ Union |
| 4) Broader Implications for Press Freedom |
| 5) Calls for Change |
The Arrest of Elif Akgül
On February 18, journalist Elif Akgül, known for her advocacy of freedom of expression, was detained as part of a crackdown involving multiple arrests within the context of an investigation into the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK). The HDK, an umbrella organization that includes various leftist and pro-Kurdish political groups, has often found itself at odds with government authorities, raising questions about political motivations behind such detentions. Following her arrest, Akgül was remanded in custody on February 21, alongside 29 others, on accusations that include “terrorism” charges, which are often used in Turkey to suppress dissenting voices.
Denied Access by Authorities
In light of Akgül’s detention, the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS) filed requests on March 11 to visit her and assess her well-being. However, the requests were met with silence and subsequently outright rejection. On March 25, the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office responded, stating, “Your application has been reviewed, and the request for a visit has not been deemed appropriate by our prison prosecutor’s office.” This lack of transparency regarding the reasons for denial underscores significant concerns over the confinement conditions of jailed journalists and the state’s growing control over freedom of press activities. TGS representatives received only an informal verbal notice suggesting Akgül was charged with “membership in a terrorist organization,” without elaboration on the basis or evidence of such claims.
Responses from the Journalists’ Union
The Journalists’ Union expressed its frustration at the lack of response from the Justice Ministry, which has failed to address the March 11 application even after a month of waiting. Union president Gökhan Durmuş commented on the matter, stating, “They neither respond nor grant permission,” highlighting the troubling treatment towards journalists embroiled in legal disputes. Durmuş argued that the manner in which pre-trial detainees are treated—akin to convicted terrorists—demonstrates a systematic approach to undermining journalistic practices and rights across Turkey. He pointed out that this ongoing scenario is not isolated to Akgül, as numerous journalists have experienced similar fates over the years, with all appeals lodged by the TGS since 2019 having been rejected without adequate explanation.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
The denial of access to Akgül not only raises alarms regarding her personal rights but also symbolizes broader issues at play within the Turkish justice system, particularly regarding freedom of expression. The TGS’s ongoing battles against these restrictions reflect a broader narrative of censorship and adversity faced by journalists in Turkey. According to Durmuş, “journalists’ ties with their professional organizations are being severed,” which has far-reaching implications for journalistic integrity and the ability of reporters to fulfill their roles as watchdogs in society. In a climate where 18 journalists are currently imprisoned, the severity of such actions against press representatives signals a discouraging trend towards increased governmental opacity and the muzzling of dissent.
Calls for Change
In response to the ongoing detentions and the TGS’s thwarted visit attempts, a collective call has emerged for change within the Justice Ministry and the broader legal framework governing press freedoms in Turkey. Union members and supporters have emphasized the need to allow visitation rights, articulating a demand to end what they describe as a “six-year-long obstruction” of journalists’ connections with their unions. The insistence on permitting visits from professional organizations underscores the essential role that unions play in safeguarding the rights and welfare of journalists, especially those facing legal challenges. “End this six-year-long obstruction. Do not prevent detained journalists from meeting with their unions,” urged Durmuş, advocating for an urgent need for reforms that could contribute to restoring a semblance of trust and accountability within the justice system.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Journalist Elif Akgül was detained as part of an investigation into the HDK. |
| 2 | The TGS was denied access to visit Akgül despite multiple requests. |
| 3 | The Justice Ministry has not responded to the applications from TGS. |
| 4 | There are currently 18 journalists imprisoned in Turkey. |
| 5 | Calls for reformation of the legal process regarding press freedoms are becoming increasingly urgent. |
Summary
The denial of visitation rights to journalist Elif Akgül exemplifies the ongoing systematic challenges that journalists face in Turkey. With the TGS’s efforts to support their detained colleagues continually rejected, there is a growing sense of urgency for the justice system to address these human rights violations. Advocates are increasingly vocal about the need for reforms to ensure that press freedom is protected and that journalists are not treated as criminals merely for fulfilling their role in society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who is Elif Akgül?
Elif Akgül is a journalist and former freedom of expression editor for bianet, currently detained amid a politically sensitive investigation linked to the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK).
Question: What charges has Akgül been detained under?
Akgül has been detained on charges related to “membership in a terrorist organization” as part of a broader investigation.
Question: What has been the response of the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS) regarding Akgül’s situation?
The TGS has filed multiple requests to visit Akgül, which have been rejected by the authorities, expressing concerns about the treatment of detained journalists and calling for reforms to safeguard press freedoms.
