Police In Turkey Arrest Journalists And A Newspaper Editor After A Nationwide Crackdown

By Darren Smith, Weekend Contributor

We have written HERE and HERE of the continuing effort by the Erdogan Government of Turkey in attacking opposition by heavy handed actions against journalists and media critical of the government and President Erdogan. In another sign of the descent into suppression of opposing views the Turkish government ordered its police forces to raid the newspapers and publications deemed to have links to a rival of the President

Those arrested across thirteen cities today are those supportive of Fethullah Gülen, a US based Cleric.

The arrest of Ekrem Dumanli the editor in chief of Zaman daily in Istanbul was broadcast on national television. Hundreds gathered outside Zaman’s headquarters shouting, “Free press cannot be silenced.

The Erdogan Government accused Gülen and his followers of plotting to bring down the government claiming it is behind allegations that it caused the resignation of four cabinet ministers. Gulen is living in exile in Pennsylvania. The Turkish government is seeking his extradition.

Of course, the state run news medium Anadolu Agency seems to be spared the crackdowns. It dutifully reported that arrest warrants were issued against thirty two persons linked to Gulen’s movement and twenty four individuals were detained throughout Turkey.

They further claimed the arrests were made of those suspected of “using intimidation and threats” in an attempt to seize control of the state.

The situation seems to be worsening for journalists in our NATO ally.

By Darren Smith

Source:

Deutsche Welle

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