October 21, 2024 - Turkiye, Bursa

Journalist Aysın Komitgan was detained for saying "May he rest in peace" during a live broadcast about the death of Fethullah Gülen, the leader of the Gülen Movement, who is accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt. She faces charges of "praising crime" and "terrorist propaganda."

Aysın clarified on social media that she does not express sympathy for the FETÖ leader and emphasized that neither she nor her family has ever been associated with such groups. She apologized for any misunderstanding caused by her words. Despite this, her news outlet Bursada Bugün severed ties with her, and she remains under investigation.

Women Press Freedom firmly denounces this aggressive action. It is unacceptable for her to lose her job and face terrorism charges due to a slip of the tongue while reacting to breaking news live on TV. We demand the case be dropped and that Komitgan be freed.