The European Turkish Journalists' Union (ATGB) reacted to the arrest of journalist Oya Lale Özan Arslan and called for her immediate release. ATGB demanded an end to detentions, arrests, threats, and pressures against journalists.

Another detention and arrest has been added to those targeting journalists in Turkey. Journalist Oya Lale Özan Arslan was arrested after being detained on charges of “publicly disseminating misleading information to the public” and “making propaganda for a terrorist organization.”

It was stated that Arslan's social media posts and broadcasts on YouTube were targeted by some individuals close to the government. After giving a statement to the prosecutor's office, Arslan was referred to a court with a request for her arrest and subsequently arrested by the court.

ATGB: Journalistic Activities Should Not Be Considered a Crime

The European Turkish Journalists' Union (ATGB) reacted to Oya Lale Özan Arslan's arrest in a statement. It was argued that Arslan's arrest on charges of “providing misleading information to the public” due to a program she conducted with her colleague Erk Acarer constitutes a serious problem for press and freedom of expression.

In its statement, ATGB pointed out that journalists being able to freely fulfill their duty to inform the public is one of the fundamental elements of a democratic social order.

The statement included the phrases “Targeting and threatening journalists is a crime, not journalism,” and called for the protection of press and freedom of thought and expression.

“Stop the Pressure on Journalists”

The European Turkish Journalists' Union reacted to the process that targeted Oya Lale Özan Arslan and led to her arrest, demanding that those governing Turkey cease threats and pressures against journalists.

While supporting the arrested journalist Arslan, ATGB emphasized that their colleagues, who are stated to have only carried out journalistic activities, should be released.

The following call was made in the statement:

“We condemn those who targeted and arrested our journalist friend Oya Lale Özan Arslan. We demand that those governing the country cease threats and pressures against journalists. ATGB stands with our colleague Oya Lale Özan Arslan. Our colleague, who was only performing her journalistic duty, must be released immediately!”

ATGB concluded its statement with the words, “Journalism Is Not a Crime! Free Press Cannot Be Silenced!”.

The statement was made by Chairman Recai Aksu on behalf of the Board of Directors of the European Turkish Journalists' Union.