The plight of exiled journalists from Turkiye, such as Cevheri Guven, Adem Yavuz Aslan, Said Sefa, Ahmet Bozkus, Ahmet Donmez, Abdulhamit Bilici, Erk Acarer, Levent Kenez, Can Dundar, Abdullah Bozkurt, Ahmet Nesin, Sevgi Akarcesme and many more, reflects a distressing trend of persecution and suppression of free speech and independent journalism in Turkiye.
These journalists have been forced to seek refuge outside of Turkiye due to the oppressive environment for media professionals within the country.
Turkiye has been widely criticized for its violations of human rights, particularly concerning the freedom of the press. The government’s crackdown on independent media and critical voices has led to the imprisonment, harassment, and intimidation of journalists who seek to report on sensitive issues or express dissenting views.
The attack on journalist Ahmet Donmez in Sweden, where unidentified individuals hit his car from behind and beat him to the ground and the assaults on Abdullah Bozkurt and Erk Acarer in Germany, where they were attacked by assailants using fists and knives, who reportedly warned them to cease their critical reporting, are chilling examples of transnational repression. These brazen acts of violence against journalists residing in foreign countries raise serious questions about the safety and security of exiled individuals and the extent to which they are vulnerable to retribution from the Turkish government.
The revelation that the pictures and addresses of Cevheri Guven and Levent Kenez, in Europe were disclosed by the secret service of Turkiye represents yet another extreme violation of human rights in terms of safeguarding exiled journalists. The deliberate exposure of their personal information not only jeopardizes their safety and security but also underscores the extent to which the Turkish government’s efforts to intimidate and suppress critical voices transcend national borders.
These incidents have raised alarm about the reach of the Turkish government’s efforts to silence and intimidate critics beyond its borders and underscore the perils faced by exiled journalists at the hands of those seeking to suppress their freedom of expression. The safety and well-being of exiled journalists must be safeguarded, and efforts to combat transnational repression must be reinforced to ensure that individuals are not subjected to persecution for exercising their right to free speech and independent journalism.
Turkiye’s crackdown on the free press and its transnational repression tactics not only undermines the fundamental human rights of journalists but also erodes the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The international community has a responsibility to condemn such violations and to advocate for the protection of exiled journalists.
In conclusion, the plight of exiled journalists from Turkiye and the country’s violations of human rights in terms of free press and transnational repression are deeply troubling. Global institutions, governments, and civil society must stand in solidarity with these journalists, to hold the Turkish government accountable for its actions, and to uphold the universal rights to freedom of expression and press freedom. RIGHTS DEFENDERS firmly stand against any form of free speech violations and transnational repression with journalists and media outlets.
Sources.
https://www.codastory.com/authoritarian-tech/turkey-journalists-transnational-repression/