12 Journalists Attacked, 1 Detained on May Day
Turkish authorities banned May Day celebrations at Taksim on the claim that it would “influence on freedom of travel” and enabled precautions which demolished citizens’ right to information and civilians” and tourists” freedom of travel.
In Taksim district there were “Police” and “Gendarmerie“ barricades everywhere and these prevented citizens’ movements in the area. The circulation freedom of journalists, photojournalists and photography artists were neglected because they didn’t have “yellow” press badges and the movements of tourists were neglected because the entry was “forbidden”.
As of 4 pm local time yesterday, 12 journalists were already injured because of gas canisters and plastic bullets police used. Some of the journalists were affected by tear gas and chemical water, and some were targeted on purpose.
Only state-approved press badges passed beyond barricades!
Standing in front of the barricades, police didn’t let many of the tourists who wanted to reach to their hotels at Cihangir or Firuzağa district with their luggages.
When journalists attempted to take photographs of İstiklal and Sıraselviler Avenues , the police asked if they had “yellow press cards” – the term for state-approved media credentials in Turkey. When they didn’t, police didn’t allowed them to pass the barricades. Journalists and police forces had arguments in front of the İstiklal Avenue barricade’s Taksim Square side. Police said they “only” want the yellow press card and they don’t discriminate between the people who don’t have it.
Police justifies with “Kanal 7”
Police justified the ban with showing Channel 7 personnel’s identification card to others and saying “Look, I’m not letting him pass”. Journalists objected by saying yellow press card restriction is unfair and discriminating but the police didn’t change their minds. These journalists and photography artist weren’t allowed to Taksim Square.
t24 editor detained
t24 news website night editor Deniz Zerrin was detained while trying to escape from the tear gas police used at Fulya Ortaklar Street and reach her office at Taksim. Zerrin reportedly argued with the police and was detained subsequently. The editorial director of the website Doğan Akın wanted to talk to the police authorities but police denied to talk to him.
TGC: Dismiss this attitude
Journalists’ Society of Turkey (TGC) condemned police in a statement. The reason of the condemnation was police attacking some of the press members on purpose and preventing them to do their work.
“Journalists trying to do their job for public to reach information and learn the truth were once again targeted by the police on May Day. Reporters, photojournalists and cameramen were affected by tear gas and chemical water. Police forces didn’t want journalist to work for public welfare and prevented them to be in Taksim” said TGC.
TGC hoped recovery for all journalists and said “Journalists face police attack with tear gas, chemical water and batons on May Day to prevent public to see what’s happening on May Day. We are condemning this attitude and understanding and we would like this attitude dismissed.”
At least 12 journalists were targeted
According to various sources, ETHA reporter Ali Haydar Doğan’s arm was broken while he was watching the clashes in Okmeydanı. Barış Yarkadaş was injured in Beşiktaş, while reporting to Halk TV on the clashes going on between the police and the demonstrators in Barbaros. In Şişli, EPA photojournalist, Sedat Suna, was injured from his leg. Police attack injured Sol newspaper reporter Elif Örnek from her head. Sol newspaper journalist Emin Şentürk was injured by a plastic bullet while he was monitoring the incidents. Duruş News Editorial Director was battered from his foot. Police attacked with a gas canister and injured Ozan Gücelce, Milliyet newspaper photojournalist, from his right hand. Struggle Union Magazine reporter Yusuf Ali Gümüşlü was injured from his arm and Yurt newspaper writer Hakan Gülseren from his nose. Journalist Fetullah Şenocak’s arm broke in Şişli and he was taken to Haseki Hospital. It was reported that around 2 pm police attacked with many plastic bullets to sendika.org reporter Murat Bay and he has wounds in his body. Osman Oral was injured from his tibia, his condition is well. (EÖ/ENÜ/BM)
* Click here to read the article in Turkish.