Journalists' Union: Standing by Our Threatened Colleagues

In recent months, an alarming rise in threats against journalists has created an increasingly challenging environment for the profession.

The union expressed deep concern over threats received by Özgür Gazete owner Pınar Barut, program editor Melek Arabacıoğlu, and cameraman Ömer Özok following their investigative report on the use of fraudulent tourist visas to bring workers into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

According to the union, these threats were allegedly made by Tezer Mercan, the owner of Tez-Tur, a company implicated in the report.

Describing the threats as a serious attack on journalism and the public's right to information, the union confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police, and legal proceedings had been initiated.

“Threats against journalists for their professional activities are entirely unacceptable. We will not tolerate attempts to intimidate press workers who strive to deliver the truth under challenging conditions,” the union stated.

The statement underscored the sacred responsibility of journalism to uncover the truth and inform the public. It also highlighted that physical, psychological, or legal pressures on journalists constitute a threat to societal freedoms.

The union called on the public to support the protection of press freedom and to stand against all forms of pressure on journalists.

Reaffirming its solidarity with the Özgür Gazete team, the Cyprus Turkish Journalists' Union declared: “We will continue to stand by our colleagues, and no threats will deter us from pursuing the truth. Our commitment to press freedom remains unwavering.”