Free Journalists Association (ÖGC) condemned the closure of Özgür Gündem daily, raid on Istanbul office and the detention of journalists.

ÖGC said in its statement titled 'Coup Attempt Against Press' recalled that Özgür Gündem has been activating under pressure since the first day it was founded, saying; “Still, the newspaper never suspended its works even during the most challenging times. The newspaper never deprived its readers of the developments and realities. It always wrote the truths and paid heavy prices for letting the readers know these truths. Dozens of workers of the newspaper were murdered and dozens of others were detained. In addition, the paper was censored and closed hundreds of times. Still, it never gave up writing the truths.”

ÖGC pointed out that dozens of free press members were jailed, several were murdered and news agencies were blocked a number of times in line with the most recent war concept as the pressures against free press have reached a different dimension during the AKP period.

“The AKP government that has increased the pressures against press after the coup attempt of July 15 now focuses its repression on free press. As a most concrete example, Istanbul 8th Penal Court of Peace has today ordered the closure of Özgür Gündem for allegedly 'spreading PKK propaganda'. Police forces later raided the newspaper office, battered workers of the paper and detained them.

As Free Journalists Association, we state that free press has taken no steps back in the face of pressures they have faced so far, nor will it ever do so from now on. We strongly condemn the pressures against Özgür Gündem and express that we will be standing by Özgür Gündem to the end.”

The Association ended by calling upon all journalists, democratic masses and readers to reclaim Özgür Gündem and be the voice of Özgür Gündem.