Press Organizations Call for Protection of Journalists in Front of Police Headquarters

Basın-Sen President Ali Kişmir highlighted that certain crimes are creating widespread fear, noting, “We have begun witnessing multiple incidents. Businesspeople, car dealers, and now journalist Pınar Barut and her family are being targeted by criminal gangs.”

Kişmir criticized authorities for inaction, stating, “Unfortunately, we do not see a government ready to take radical measures. Hitmen move freely in this country. They first threaten people, assert control, and if their demands are not met, resort to arson and shootings. We all see how ruthless they are.”

He emphasized the difficult conditions under which journalists work and warned against attempts to undermine them, saying, “Until now, we have remained silent and focused on our profession. Remember, journalists in this country are being killed, pressured, tried, and threatened. Death messages are sent to their families. Our patience has run out. Any attempt to discredit or threaten us will be met with the strongest response.”

Kişmir called on government officials to take concrete measures, asserting, “The source of crime is not those caught with two grams of prohibited substance, but the border checkpoints. Taking preventive measures is your primary duty. To the president, prime minister, and all political authorities: statements like ‘we condemn this, we do not approve’ are meaningless to us. Your duty is to act. Our call is clear: fulfill your duty and ensure the safety of journalists.”