The International Press Institute is highlighting a report by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that claims that there are currently some 57 journalists jailed in Turkey -- more than any other country. From the IPI article:
The International Press Institute (IPI) today obtained a report from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) indicating that Turkey is currently holding at least 57 journalists in prison – apparently more than any other country.The report followed an analysis of more than 70 journalists the OSCE conducted in conjunction with Erol Önderoğlu, editor-in-chief of the BIANET Independent Communications Network in Istanbul.
While Iran and China topped lists last December by reportedly jailing some 34 journalists each, Turkey, a candidate for membership in the European Union, has nearly doubled that number five months later, raising questions about the country’s commitment to freedom of the press and the legitimacy of its democratic image.
Some of the incarcerated journalists are awaiting trial on charges connected to the ongoing Ergenekon coup investigation (take a look at this previous post), but many of the jailed journalists are ones who have written about the Kurdish issue or work for pro-Kurdish media outlets and have been put behind bars through Turkey's anti-terrorism laws. According to the IPI reports, some 700-1000 more journalists are currently facing court proceedings that could put them in jail.
On the subject of pro-Kurdish media, the Hurriyet Daily News has a fascinating article looking at the rebirth of Ozgur Gundem ("The Independent Agenda"), a Kurdish affairs newspaper that stopped publication 17 years ago after a difficult run that saw 76 of its journalists killed and countless court proceedings against it. The article can be found here.
Sign up for Eurasianet's free weekly newsletter. Support Eurasianet: Help keep our journalism open to all, and influenced by none.