Speaking to ANF about 42 detained journalists, Peter Stano, the spokesman for the European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fuele warned Turkey sternly and said that; “We are greatly concerned about the developments. The freedom of press is the most important and unbending condition of membership to the European Union.”

Making significant statements to ANF, Stano pointed out that; “Mr. Fuele also shares the same thoughts and concerns. He follows the developments closely. I underline that EU is not remaining silent about the developments.”

Stano noted that pressures on journalists wasn’t something new in Turkey and continued as follows; “The laws and the prosecutors’ comments on laws in connection with this are one of the greatest obstacles in front of Turkey. The anti-terror law which causes detentions and arrests should be amended in the soonest time. The Ministry of Justice gave us a promise in this regard.”

Spokesman Stano added that the EU office in Ankara and Ankara diplomats of EU member countries were also following developments closely.

Human rights violations, freedom of thought and pressures on journalists are the most important criteria for Turkey on the way to EU, underlined Stano and remarked that a country was supposed to pay regard to European values in the event of intending to be a member of the EU.

Stano gave the following warnings concerning the arrest of journalists; “Turkey should explain why journalists have been taken into custody. If the detentions are really linked to alleged terrorist activities, then criminal evidences should be laid open. However, I lay emphasis that none of the journalists should be arrested on the grounds of the duty they fulfill and the news they make.”

Stano ended his statement adding that they would also make a written statement on the subject.