Police detained nine journalists in early morning raids across several cities, targeting those who had covered protests following the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Additionally, one journalist was taken into custody at the protest site last night.

The detentions occurred as demonstrations continue across the country, particularly in İstanbul’s Saraçhane Square near the metropolitan municipality building.

Photojournalists who had been documenting police response to protests were among the detained. Authorities have not disclosed the specific charges against the journalists.

Several journalists have been injured during police response since the protests began on Mar 19 while covering the events on site. Also, police reportely damaged journalists’ equipment in some cases. These incidents drew condemnation from journalist unions.

In İstanbul, those detained include AFP photojournalist Yasin Akgül, Now Haber reporter Ali Onur Tosun, photojournalists Bülent Kılıç, Zeynep Kuray, and Hayri Tunç, as well as municipal photographers Kurtuluş Arı from the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Gökhan Kam from Bakırköy Municipality. Zişan Gür, a reporter for Sendika.org, was taken into custody while covering protests in Saraçhane.

In İzmir, photojournalist Murat Kocabaş and BirGün columnist Barış İnce, who also heads the İzmir branch of the Left (SOL) Party, were detained. Police also raided the home of journalist Emre Orman, but he was not present at the time.

‘Journalists’ safety is in danger’

Press freedom organizations and journalist unions condemned the detentions. Erol Önderoğlu, Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said, “Attacks against journalists show no sign of slowing. Journalists’ safety and rights are being trampled. We call on the Interior Minister to put an end to these violations.”

The Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS) stated, “Journalists fulfilling their duty to inform the public are being targeted. Stop your policy of pressure and censorship against the press.”

The Press Union of the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DİSK Basın-İş) said, “Detaining journalists in home raids is an attack on press freedom and the public’s right to know. Silencing journalists will not hide the truth.” (Mİ/HA/VK)