International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX), a non-governmental organization for freedom of expression based in Toronto, announced that the arrests of journalists Ahmet Şık and Nedim Şener "appear to be directly linked to their writings" and demanded their instant release.

bianet is one of numerous members of the NGO. IFEX also mentions the protest voiced by the Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International against the recent arrests of several journalists.

In their announcement, IFEX forwarded the address and fax number of Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin and called on IFEX members to send appeals to the Minister "expressing concern that the arrests of Ahmet Şık and Nedim Şener appear to be directly linked to their writings".

Furthermore, the organization suggests the appeals to include the expression of "fears that they could face prosecution on charges that contravene their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights".

IFEX members are also invited to send referring appeals to the Turkish ambassador in their country.

The organization for the protection and defence of freedom of expression reminded the fact that journalist Nedim Şener was rewarded as "Press Hero" by the International Press Institute (IPI) in 2010.

"News items are investigated, not coup plans"

The latest arrests provoked reactions in Turkey as well as on an international scale:

Alain Juppe, Foreign Minister of France: We are carefully observing the attacks aimed at press freedom in Turkey. We learned with concern that journalists in Turkey were again arrested within the scope of an investigation into a conspiracy against the government. We request to release the journalists.

Emma Sinçlair-Webb, Turkey researcher of Human Rights Watch (HRW): In the absence of evidence that the police have credible reason to think Ahmet Şık and Nedim Şener  are responsible for wrongdoing, their arrests  are a disturbing development. It raises concerns that what is now under investigation is critical reporting rather than coup plots.

Aiden White, Secretary General of the International Journalists Federation (IFJ): The Prime Minister denies allegations regarding the government being responsible for silencing journalists. This denial does not create trust.

Arne König, Head of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ): The arrests contravened the principle that the sources of journalists can remain secret. We condemn the violation of this major principle of press freedom.

Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty International (AI) Europe and Central Asia Program Director: At least two of the journalists were detained under legislation that is implemented arbitrarily and mainly used to prosecute minority dissenting opinions. A large number of articles in the Turkish Penal Code and other laws limit the right to freedom of expression either directly, or through their vague wording and arbitrary application.

Open Society Foundation: The latest developments related to the arrests of some journalists are reason of serious and rightful concerns regarding press freedom and freedom of expression. We share these concerns.

Solidarity Platform for Arrested Journalists: We protest the arrest of Şık and Şener. These arrests are a direct attack on freedom of expression, press freedom and the public's right to be informed. With the arrest of Şık and Şener, the number of detained/convicted journalists and writers increased to 53. (AS/EÖ/VK)