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A demonstration in Turkey. Photo: Huseyin Aldemir/AP/dpa
Keystone
Several journalists have been arrested in Turkey in connection with demonstrations against the removal and imprisonment of the mayor of Istanbul. The French news agency AFP announced that one of its photojournalists had also been taken into custody. Agency boss Fabrice Fries wrote in a letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: "His detention is unacceptable." Fries asked for the swift release of the journalist, who according to AFP was arrested at home in the presence of his wife and children.
AFP called on the Turkish authorities to respect the work of journalists and the freedom of the press. The Turkish side claimed that the photographer had taken part in a banned gathering in Istanbul. AFP boss Fries emphasized that the employee had been there as a journalist for the agency. "Being where events happen, including those between demonstrators and police forces, is the work of a photographer." The journalist's detention had no legal basis.
Identical accusation
In addition to the AFP photojournalist, six journalists and photographers were arrested and four others were detained but not arrested, according to the Turkish lawyers' association MLSA. It was unclear whether they have since been released. All were accused of violating the ban on assembly.
Opposition politician Ekrem Imamoglu was detained last week and removed as mayor of Istanbul. He is accused in connection with terror and corruption investigations. Imamoglu rejects the accusations. Since his arrest, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Turkey to protest against the actions against Imamoglu and the government. Demonstrations are banned in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
25.03.2025, 19:16
