ANKARA - CFWIJ published a statement regarding journalist Nurcan Yalçın, whose hearing is being held, and said: ‘’We call on the Turkish authorities to show respect for freedom of the press. Journalism is not a crime.’’

 

The Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ) has published a statement regarding Journalist Nurcan Yalçın, who was prosecuted with allegations on ‘’being a member of a terrorist organization’’ and ‘’making propaganda for a terrorist organization’’ within the scope of the Rosa Women’s Association investigation, and whose 5th hearing was held at the Diyarbakır 9th High Criminal Court.

 

‘Journalism is not a crime’

 

Stating that they condemn the demand for unfounded penalties against journalists on the grounds of their professional activities, CFWIJ stated that the policies implemented were aimed at silencing and intimidating journalists. Stating that they demanded the Turkish judiciary to acquit journalist Nurcan Yalçın by looking out for the criteria of freedom of the press, CFWIJ continued: ‘’As the Coalition for Women in Journalism, we condemn the lawsuits filed against journalists with groundless accusations, and call on the Turkish authorities to show respect for freedom of the press. We demand that the Turkish authorities abandon their policies of intimidation against journalists through the judiciary and that Nurcan Yalçın be immediately acquitted. Journalism is not a crime.’’