January 10 Working Journalists' Day is a day to commemorate the efforts and sacrifices of journalists who practice the press profession in our country, who produce news in the field, in the office, on the screens and backstage, and the efforts they make to protect the public's right to receive news.
However, on the occasion of this year's January 10th, it is inevitable not only to celebrate, but also to take stock of the grave situation facing press freedom and journalists.
The press is one of the cornerstones of democracies. The right to receive and report accurate, impartial and free news is a prerequisite for the public to make informed decisions. Despite this, those practicing journalism in Turkey have been facing pressure, lawsuits, detentions and threats of imprisonment for years.
The reality of imprisoned journalists in Turkey
The reports of trade unions and professional organizations active in the field of press freedom clearly reveal the picture.
A year in review: The balance sheet of repression
The data for the past year alone reveals the extent of the pressure on the press:
Journalists appeared before judges 610 times,
95 journalists were detained,
39 journalists were arrested.
These figures show that journalism is almost a “risk of prosecution” with the use of the "new" and "newer" technologies.
Aggravating conditions of the profession
Journalists are not only imprisoned, but also subjected to investigations, judicial control orders, travel bans, detentions and especially “fight against terrorism” The journalists also face serious criminal charges under the law. This repressive environment directly harms not only journalists but also the public's right to access accurate and reliable information.
What does January 10th mean today?
January 10 Working Journalists' Day is not only a day for journalists; it is also a day to defend freedom of the press. It is not possible to talk about a democratic society without freedom of the press. To defend journalists who report, question and investigate is to defend the public's right to access information.
Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to put an end to the arrests of journalists, end judicial repression and strengthen a free and independent press.
It is good that January 10th is Working Journalists' Day so that we can once again remember the importance of a free press.