Turkish govt. denies journalists being jailed for their writing

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish government denies claims that dozens of outspoken journalists who have been jailed were arrested or convicted because of their journalistic activities and reiterates that the jailed suspects are accused of crimes not directly linked to their profession.

The Turkish Justice Ministry said in a statement released in order to “answer media allegations regarding jailed journalists” that nearly 70 journalists have been arrested or convicted because of their writings, saying 59 out of the 63 journalists currently in jail have been arrested or convicted because of criminal activities other than their writings.

The ministry's statement said only 4 arrested or convicted suspects have been accused of crimes that could be regarded as being related to their writings - disseminating propaganda for a terrorist organization.

The Justice Ministry underlined that 32 arrested or convicted journalists are currently jailed for reasons not related to their journalistic activities. The statement said ongoing investigations into 27 suspects who are currently under arrest are secret and that it will be possible to see what criminal activities they are accused of when their indictments are ready.

The Justice Ministry said it believes all 27 suspects are accused of being a part of a terrorist organization, Today's Zaman reported.