Solidarity for Ali Kişmir: 20 Organizations Call for Support for Freedom of Expression

These organizations called on all civil society groups and those who believe in freedom of expression to stand in solidarity. Kişmir is being prosecuted for a 2020 article in which he exposed interference in the presidential elections, facing charges of defamation and insulting the moral character of the Commander of the Security Forces, with a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

In a joint statement, the organizations condemned the prosecution, stating, “The fact that a critical article aimed at exposing interference by the regime has led to such a severe trial is contrary to the fundamental values of democracy and is unacceptable."

The statement emphasized that democracy is based on freedom of expression and press freedom. It added, "However, the prosecution of Ali Kişmir for a post he shared on social media is the clearest indication that these freedoms are under threat. This case is an attack not only on one journalist but on democratic values and the public's right to express criticism, attempting to silence them through pressure."

Call for the Case to Be Dropped

The organizations also argued that expressing thoughts is not a crime for journalists, and they criticized the trial as an attempt to intimidate journalists and create fear within society. The statement urged the Attorney General to withdraw the case, saying, "This mistake must be rectified immediately."

Additionally, the statement highlighted the need for urgent amendments to the Military Crimes Law, which has been pending in committee for over a year, stating that the law’s provisions pose a risk of silencing not only journalists but all members of society. The organizations called on the government to amend the law in line with democratic standards.

The statement concluded by inviting all civil society organizations and those who support freedom of expression to join the fight for press freedom and democracy, emphasizing the importance of collective action: “By standing together, we can defend freedom of expression and press freedom and strengthen our democracy.”