Journalists March to Protest Police Violence

Some 100 journalists marched in protest of the police violence towards eight colleagues druing last weeks May Day demonstrations in Istanbul. This is the first time journalists took to streets since years. They filed complaints against police officers

Erol Onceroglu

Around a hundred journalists gathered together last Friday to protest the police violence towards their colleagues during the May Day demonstrations in Istanbul.

Walking from the offices of the Turkey's Journalists' Union (TGS) to the Istanbul Mayorship, the crowd chanted and carried placards reading "mayor resign!" and "Freedom to the press".

Eight reporters who had been battered by security forces on May Day filed official complaints about the offending police officers.

One of the injured journalists, Radikal daily reporter Demet Bilge Ergün said: "Police's attitude was harsh. The freedom of the press is averted not only by legislation but also with mere force".

Her colleague, Kanal D TV's reporter İhsan Yıldız noted that they have the pictures of the offending police officers on tape, so they would be easily identified.

A committee of TGS chair Ercan İpekçi, Turkey's Journalists' Association (TGC) general secretary Celal Toprak, vice-chair Vahap Munyar, Contemporary Journalists' Association (ÇGD) member Yardakaş and Haber-Sen union member Mehmet Demir met with Istanbul Mayor Muammer Guler.

İpekçi told bianet that Mayor Güler promised to investigate the allegations but he asked for "evidence".

Guler was harshly criticized for excessive use of force by the police and unprecedented security cautions, which paralyzed the city's transportation.(EÖ/EÜ)

Erol Onceroglu