In a statement released this morning the BDP called on all those who belief in freedom of the press to protest against the raids, arrests and blows dealt to freedom of information. The BDP issued the statement after searches and arrests were made at many Kurdish press offices, including Dicle News Agency (DÝHA), Etik News Agency and Özgür Gündem daily.

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Deputy Co-chair Filiz Koçali, in charge of Press and Broadcasting, said that “The AKP is still not happy with taking control over mainstream media. It now tries to suppress and silence those media which won't accept the government control, by arresting journalists and seizing materials.”

Koçali underlined that the AKP targeted not only the press but also the right of information and ultimately every citizen. "The AKP doesn’t want facts to be written or be known", added Koçali.

The statement continued warning that Turkey was going to fall in the lower ranks in the world list of freedom of press and pointed out to criticism at Turkey for following a policy of “harassment” and “arresting” of journalists.

Koçali added that Prime Minister Erdogan should firstly answer to whether in Turkey "law and freedom of press are allowed” instead of questioning freedom and democracy of other countries and leaders.