A delegation from Reporters Without Borders came to Turkey from France in solidarity with their Turkey representative Erol Önderoğlu who was arrested alongside TİHV President Prof. Dr. Şebnem Korur Fincancı and writer Ahmet Nesin three days ago for showing solidarity with Özgür Gündem daily.

The delegation RSF made a statement to the press in front of the Metris Prison where Önderoğlu is held. The demonstration was attended by journalists, HDP MP Ferhat Encü and representatives from political parties as well as officials from Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS), Journalists' Society of Turkey (TGC).

DELOIRE: THERE IS A SERIOUS ATTACK

In his speech, RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire condemned the pressure the press is under in Turkey.

Deloire said everybody, most of all journalists in Turkey and the rest of the world, should show solidarity and protest these arrests and continued: “We demand our friend and Turkey representative Erol Önderoğlu and all arrested press workers be released immediately.”

Deloire said there were serious attacks on the press in Turkey and that they were investigating them.

PRADER: LET’S SHOW SOLIDARITY

International Human Rights Representative Martin Prader in the committee protested the arrests as well and called for solidarity.

GÜRSEL: WE DEMAND AN IMMEDATE END TO PRESSURE AND ARRESTS

The International Press Institute (IPI) Turkey National Committee Chair Kadri Gürsel said, “Three of our friends are wrongfully imprisoned. We demand an immediate end to the pressure on the press and the release of our friends.”

Gürsel continued: “Those who think they will end the solidarity through arrests and the pressure should know that this approach has strengthened the solidarity.”

Gürsel read the letter Önderoğlu sent from prison and called for increased solidarity.

The delegation is expected to visit Özgür Gündem’s office after the demonstration.