Turkish media freedom defenders flew kites with the photos of 62 jailed journalists in front of the Court in Istanbul to draw attention to judges and prosecutors about their cases on World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day was celebrated in Istanbul with an interesting action. The Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGC) invited concerned organizations to a Kite Fest in front of the Court Palace of Istanbul. IFEX’s members in Turkey, Bianet News Agency and the Initiative for Freedom of Expression, were among the supporters of the action.
Mr. Ercan Ipekci, chairman of the union, made a short speech, and spoke about the importance of World Press Freedom Day. He said that 62 journalists were imprisoned due to their journalistic work, and nothing else. He demanded that all imprisoned journalists be released immediately and for legislation violating freedom of expression to be amended.
Then 62 kites – each carrying a photo of an imprisoned journalist – were released into the air. The kites, thanks to the help of the wind, went directly against the windows of the floor where judges and prosecutors’ offices were located.
Media freedom advocates prepare to fly kites with photos of 62 jailed journalists in front of the court in Istanbul.Şanar Yurdatapan/Initiative for Freedom of Expression
