OSCE concerned over arrests of journalists in TurkeyDecember 21, 2011 - 16:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, said she was alarmed by the mass arrests of journalists in Turkey today and called for swift investigations. “It is important to know exactly why these media professionals were arrested. Although governments have an unquestioned right to fight terrorism, it should be carried out without silencing the press and curbing the public’s right to be informed. This right includes reporting on sensitive issues, such as terrorism,” the Representative said. According to news reports, some 20 journalists were taken into custody early this morning following police raids on offices and houses across the country. Equipment was confiscated as evidence of their alleged involvement with the activities of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK). Among others, journalists from the daily newspapers Vatan and Birgün, the DIHA news agency and a photographer from Agence France-Presse were arrested. “The sheer volume of today’s police raids on journalists causes great concern for their safety as well as threatens the general press freedom situation in the country because it leads to self-censorship,” Mijatović said. “Even before today’s developments, the number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey is unprecedented in the OSCE region. This was an issue I also raised with the authorities during my visit to Turkey last week,” she said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. Armenia parliament to consider draft proposal on impeachment June 17 The Armenian Parliament will hold an extraordinary session on June 17 to consider a draft proposal on the resignation of the government. Armenia to send Deputy Foreign Minister to Berlin’s Ukraine Recovery Conference Georgia will attend the forum at the level of Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, while Azerbaijan will send their Foreign Minister. About 173 million drams and more than 30 beneficiary funds. "The Power of One Dram" is 4 years old In June 2020, the exclusive joint corporate social responsibility initiative of Idram and IDBank "The Power of One Dram" was launched. |