OSCE media freedom representative condemns attack on journalist Ahmet Hakan, and calls for improved safety of journalists in Turkey

VIENNA, 1 October 2015 - Violence against journalists is unacceptable and must be countered with the full vigour of the law, OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović said today, condemning the recent attack on Turkish journalist Ahmet Hakan.
“I strongly condemn the beating of Ahmet Hakan, and urge the authorities to do their utmost to bring both the perpetrators and the masterminds of this attack swiftly to justice,” Mijatović said.
On 1 October, Hürriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan was attacked outside his home in Istanbul. Four people beat him and his bodyguard. The journalist sustained multiple injuries, including a broken nose and ribs. He was released from the hospital after having received medical treatment.
Police arrested three suspects the same day. The Representative welcomed the arrests and the condemnation of the attack by public officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş and the spokesperson of the ruling Justice and Development Party Ömer Çelik.
Mijatović said that much more needs to be done to reverse the current worrying trend of attacks on the media in Turkey.
“With this attack on Hakan, the perpetrators also attacked critical journalism and free media in the country,” Mijatović said. “I trust that the authorities will demonstrate that violence against critical voices is unacceptable.”
On 6 and 8 September, the headquarters of Hürriyet were attacked by a group of people. During and after these attacks, Hakan received threats from a member of parliament and a number of media outlets.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.