Turkish journalist Yasin Akgul was arrested at his home in Istanbul while covering mass anti-government protests. He is one of seven journalists detained in a dawn raid, all of whom had been documenting the unrest sparked by the arrest of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The protesters argue that Imamoglu’s arrest is politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Akgul, who has faced beatings and detentions while taking pictures in Turkey, believes his colleagues are being targeted to intimidate them from reporting on the protests.
The authorities have charged Akgul with “taking part in illegal rallies and marches.” His photos show violent clashes between protesters and police, capturing the essence of a battle for Turkey’s democracy. Akgul urges journalists to be cautious, warning that they may face similar treatment if they continue to report on the protests.
Other detained journalists include those from international news agencies, highlighting concerns over press freedom in Turkey. The government claims an independent judiciary but human rights groups say judges are under political control, stifling dissent.
The opposition remains committed to its campaign and plans weekly protests, despite the arrests. Polls suggest Imamoglu would win against President Erdogan if he were freed from jail and able to run for president. The opposition is pushing for presidential elections to be brought forward from 2028.
Akgul hopes to continue telling the story of Turkey’s protests despite the danger. He believes someone needs to document the situation, and he feels duty-bound to do so.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ypxedzny4o