The initiative by the Union of Cyprus Journalists regarding the 99 journalists killed in Gaza since October 7, with the onset of the barbaric Israeli incursion, is very commendable.
Since October 7, however, more journalists have been killed, even in Rafah, the latest target of Israeli bombings. This proves that Israel does not distinguish between combatants or civilians, journalists or terrorists, adults or minors.
Similarly, Turkey, in its long-standing conflict with the Kurds who are also seeking their freedom, behaves in the same manner. Beyond the deaths, hundreds of journalists are imprisoned in Turkey, many of whom are not even brought to trial.
On the morning of Tuesday, six Kurdish journalists were arrested in Smyrna, one of whom works in the press office of the Peoples’ Democracy and Equality Party (DEM). The reasons behind these arrests by the Turkish authorities remain unknown.
It is very important for the Cypriot society and the Journalists’ Union to pay special attention to the experiences of Kurdish male and female journalists in Turkey. Such an initiative would be interesting to amplify the voice of the Kurdish people resisting Erdogan’s dictatorship and the ongoing ethnic cleansing campaign by the Turkish state.
Therein lies a gross violation of press freedom.
ΑΛ.ΜΙΧ.
