ANKARA - Many journalists demanding the release of 16 journalists arrested in Diyarbakır sent books, cards, and letters to their colleagues.

 

Many journalists working in Ankara sent cards, letters, and books to their colleagues for solidarity with the 16 journalists arrested in Diyarbakır. Upon the call of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Platform (MKGP), the police intervened against the journalists who came together in front of the Yenişehir PTT. The event, which was attended by many journalists, also was supported by Turgut Dedeoğlu, Press-İş Regional Representative affiliated to the Revolutionary Workers' Unions Confederation (DİSK) and Pakize Sinemillioğlu, Ankara Provincial Co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

 

'Harassment'

 

Before the event, many plainclothes police officers tried to prevent the journalists from taking photos, while the PTT was blocking the way with 2 riot police and detention vehicles. It was heard that a police officer made an announcement over the radio, "They have envelopes in their hands, what should we do, sir", to the words of the police chief, "don't do anything, harass them with your eyes.”

 

'I took my place after you were arrested'

 

 Later, journalists entered Yenişehir PTT to send books, cards, and letters. Journalists here sent books and cards to their colleagues. The card sent by a reporter who has just started her career included the following statements: “I haven't met you yet, but due to the tradition you maintain, I feel like I've always known you. Shortly after you were unjustly arrested, I wanted to take my place in the free press.”

 

After the books and cards were sent, plainclothes police once again intervened with the journalists, saying, "You are not allowed to shoot." After the brawl, the event came to an end.