The BBC reported that several Turkish journalists who have been covering earthquakes in Turkey since the beginning of this month have been questioned by police. British Public Broadcasting spoke to freelance journalist Mir Ali Kocher, who had to report to the police station due to a possible breach of the new misinformation law.
The Committee to Protect Journalists told the BBC that it knows of at least three other journalists who are being prosecuted for reporting from the disaster area.
Turkish journalists have been dealing with a controversial law since October last year. This makes it possible for reporters to be arrested for spreading disinformation. According to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, such a law is necessary to protect the population. However, observers argue that press freedom in Turkey is being curtailed. Violation of the law can result in a prison sentence of three years.
Erdogan warned during his visit to the disaster area this month that those who spread “false news” and “cause social chaos” will be pursued. Freelance editor Kocher, who said he was very careful in his critical reporting about victim assistance, was questioned by police for allegedly publishing fake news.
Earlier, three TV channels were fined for publishing the flaws of the Turkish government.
“silly”
Reporters Without Borders, an organization that works for press freedom, calls the investigation into Cougar’s case “ridiculous”. The Turkish authorities do not want to answer the BBC’s questions. Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have killed more than 50,000 people.
Earlier, three TV channels were fined for publishing the flaws of the Turkish government. It will be a criticism of the Erdogan government’s response after the devastating earthquakes.
Twitter was also blocked for several hours a few days after the disaster. This ban was quickly lifted after much criticism, as Twitter was an important communication tool for rescuers. Victims trapped under the rubble also shared their location via Twitter so they could be rescued.
look. The radio benefits Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquake
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