In a written statement, the DEM Party Press Office said: "The government shows no limits on its oppression and attacks against the opposition media, solely because they practice journalism, inform the public, and convey the truth to society. Today, Halk TV writers and commentators Barış Pehlivan, Serhan Asker, and Seda Selek have been detained. Moreover, RTÜK is preventing opposition channels from practicing accurate journalism through various punitive measures."

The DEM Party added: "In the past two weeks, members of the free press, including Necla Demir, Rahime Karvar, Ahmet Güneş, Welat Ekin, Vedat Örüç, Reyhan Hacıoğlu, and Eylem Babayiğit, have been arrested. For years, attacks have been directed at Kurdish and socialist media, and now these assaults are being expanded to target other opposition media outlets. 

Despite having brought nearly 90% of the press under its control, the government cannot tolerate the few remaining opposition channels, newspapers, and journalists. It is clear that the government fears the truth. It cannot endure even a single dissenting voice and refuses to hear or see the realities."

The statement continued: "These attacks, which began with the free press and now continue against opposition media, are also direct assaults on the public’s right to access information. Learning and sharing the truth is one of the most fundamental rights of every individual. In an environment where journalists are silenced and the public’s right to information is restricted, neither democracy nor justice can exist. 

Neither journalists who perform their work with integrity, nor society, nor we will bow to these attacks. Journalism is not a crime. The real crime and shame lie in obstructing journalism and preventing the public’s right to access information. 

On this occasion, we once again express our solidarity with journalists who continue to uphold their profession and its dignity despite all forms of restrictions, pressure, and attacks. We stand with them and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their work."