The Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG), the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (MKG), and the Press Workers’ Union of the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DISK Basın-Iş) issued a written statement regarding the arrest of journalists Elif Akgül, Ercüment Akdeniz, and Yıldız Tar in the political crackdown targeting the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK).

In a statement demanding the release of imprisoned journalists, the MKG said that "Silencing journalists will not conceal the truth. A free press is the guarantee of the public's right to access information. This pressure not only targets journalists pursuing the truth but also undermines society’s right to knowledge and enlightenment. Imprisoned journalists must be released immediately. The crackdown on the press and freedom of expression must end. Journalism is not a crime and should never be treated as one. Journalists cannot be silenced."

DFG: We never bowed, we will never bow

In its statement, the DFG emphasized that journalists will continue to do their job, adding: "Those who attack and imprison journalists are troubled by the truth itself. Elif Akgül, Ercüment Akdeniz, and Yıldız Tar are journalists. We are firsthand witnesses to their journalism. More than just reporting, they fought for journalism and strengthened solidarity among colleagues. We have not bowed, and we will not bow. We will continue to write the truth. Our struggle will persist until all imprisoned journalists are freed."

DISK Basın-Iş: We will strengthen the struggle

DISK Basın-Iş said that the government is attempting to suppress social opposition, stating: "The aim of these operations is to repress and silence social opposition. Journalists defending the public’s right to information and citizens exercising their right to organize are being subjected to judicial harassment. If they refuse to bow down, they are imprisoned. We will not submit to the government's policies of oppression. We will continue to raise our voices for justice and freedom and strengthen the struggle. Our detained colleagues must be released immediately."