Turkiye: Journalists Attacked, Threatened with Death, and Barred During Elections
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the reprehensible acts of violence, intimidation, and restrictions imposed on journalists during the recent local elections
Location: TurkiyeDate: March 31, 2024Update: April 3, 2024
Women Press Freedom persistently monitored the electoral process during the local elections and noted multiple instances of infringements. We condemn acts of violence and restrictions, including against Ece Üner, who was threatened with death. Alarming reports of journalists being shot at further exacerbate our concerns for the safety of those working to bring news to the public. The barring of journalists from counting votes is an infringement on press freedom and the public's right to transparent and accountable governance. We further condemn the police violence and detentions of journalists covering post-election protests across the country on April 3, affecting Medine Mamedoğlu, Jinnews reporter Rabia Önver, Yeni Yaşam journalists Sema Korkmaz and Ferhat Sezgin, Artı Gerçek’s Müzeyyen Yüce and PİRHA reporter Dilan Şimşek. These acts against members of the press, who were merely exercising their duties, are unacceptable and demand immediate investigation and action from Turkish authorities to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. We also urge the international community to stand in solidarity with Turkish journalists; they must not remain silent in the face of such flagrant violations of press freedom and human rights.
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We also urge the international community to stand in solidarity with Turkish journalists; they must not remain silent in the face of such flagrant violations of press freedom and human rights.
In a disturbing series of events during Turkey's local elections, journalists faced attacks and were barred from observing crucial aspects of the electoral process. Women Press Freedom documented journalists from various agencies, including the official Anatolia Agency and other news outlets, being subjected to violence and restrictions that severely hampered their ability to fulfill their duties.
Journalists Shot At
In a particularly alarming incident in Diyarbakır, journalists were shot at, a grave violation of their safety and a clear attempt to intimidate the press. This attack, involving reporters from the Anatolia Agency (AA), the pro-government Demirören News Agency, and İhlas News Agency, occurred amid a clash over an election dispute. Although no injuries were reported, the vehicle belonging to AA journalists was hit by bullets, underscoring the dangers faced by the media in covering these events.
In response to these violations, the Southeast Journalists Association issued a statement expressing deep concern for the safety of journalists and called for immediate actions to ensure their protection.
“While it is relieving that our colleagues were not harmed, this grave attack is a matter of great concern and fear for us,” a statement by the Southeast Journalists Association reads.
Death Threats
Journalist Ece Üner faced a death threat in response to her comments on the decision to revoke the official mandate of Van Metropolitan Co-Mayor Abdullah Zeydan and award it to the runner-up from the AKP, Abdulahat Arvas. “I think they will be a problem for those who go out on the streets and demand their rights and a different problem for those who do not.”
In response, a person sent a threat to Üner: "Would you like a white Toros to come for you soon, Ece Üner?"
The term "white Toros" refers to a grim period in Turkish history during the 1990s, when white Renault Toros station wagons became synonymous with enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. These vehicles were reportedly used by unofficial or clandestine security forces and death squads to abduct, intimidate, or assassinate individuals deemed to be political opponents, activists, journalists, or Kurdish sympathizers.
Post-election Demonstrations
On April 3, 2024, cities throughout Turkey saw protests following the initial refusal by electoral authorities to certify the election of a pro-Kurdish mayor from the DEM party in Van, despite his electoral win. This action, which was later reversed, sparked widespread demonstrations against what many saw as election meddling.
The situation grew more alarming for journalists on the ground, who encountered a sharp increase in physical attacks, threats, and arrests by police forces.
In Van, journalist Medine Mamedoğlu was subjected to a physical assault and arrest by the police. This incident came after she had been targeted and harassed online for her reporting on human rights violations amid the protests. She was subsequently released. Journalist Rabia Önver from Jinnews sustained injuries from a rubber bullet while reporting on the demonstrations in Yüksekova. In Istanbul, during the coverage of the protests, Sema Korkmaz and Ferhat Sezgin, journalists for Yeni Yaşam, were forcefully detained by the police. Dilan Şimşek from PİRHA and Artı Gerçek’s Müzeyyen Yüce were also taken into custody.
Barring from Democratic Processes
The Supreme Electoral Board (YSK) notably implemented a controversial measure prohibiting journalists from video recording the vote-counting process. This directive led to instances in various election districts where police forcibly ejected journalists who were documenting electoral proceedings from the proximity of ballot boxes. According to Turkey's election law, specifically Article 82, journalists possess the legal right to observe and report on the election process, including counting votes, as long as they do not interfere with the procedures.
Election Climate
The local elections were characterized by a competitive atmosphere that provided citizens with numerous options. Despite this, the elections took place in a "starkly polarized environment," according to a European observer group, which emphasized the need for greater efforts to ensure freedom of expression. The opposition's significant victory over President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) marked a considerable shift in Turkey's political landscape, highlighting the importance of press freedom in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.
In 2023, during national elections, Women Press Freedom documented physical attacks, harassment, and barring from covering the elections. Notable incidents include an assault on Fatoş Erdoğan of Dokuz8haber by an AKP school official, Sultan Eylem Keleş of KRT TV being unlawfully requested for her press card and prevented from filming by an AKP official, and Öznur Değer of JINNEWS facing obstruction and verbal attacks from a bodyguard of an AKP MP in Mardin. Değer's attempt to file a police complaint was met with a counter-investigation into her actions, and she disclosed prior torture and imprisonment due to her work.
Women Press Freedom demands that Turkish authorities uphold their legal and moral obligations to protect journalists and to ensure their unhindered ability to report on matters of public interest. Authorities must launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the incidents of violence and threats against journalists during the local elections; ensure that those responsible for attacking journalists, issuing death threats, and interfering with the lawful duties of the press are identified, prosecuted, and held accountable in accordance with Turkish law and international human rights standards.
We also urge the international community to stand in solidarity with Turkish journalists and press freedom advocates in calling for transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of press freedoms in Turkey; and call for utilizing diplomatic and economic channels to emphasize the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic societies. International partners should make clear that ongoing violations against journalists and restrictions on press freedom can affect Turkey's relationships and cooperation agreements with other nations and international bodies. The assault on journalists is an assault on democracy itself, and it is imperative that actions are taken to address these violations and prevent future occurrences.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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