OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns shooting of journalist Hakan Denizli, expresses alarm about dire safety conditions in Turkey

VIENNA, 25 May 2019 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today strongly denounced the shooting of journalist Hakan Denizli in Turkey. Denizli, founder of the local daily Egemen, was shot in the leg after two persons opened fire while he was leaving his home in Adana.

He was immediately hospitalized and his health condition is stable. He had reportedly been threatened and attacked in the past. An official police investigation has been launched.

“I condemn this appalling attack that could have had deadly consequences. I am relieved that Denizli will recover, but it is important that no effort is spared in finding and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this horrendous crime as soon as possible. Impunity for attacks against journalists is unacceptable,” Désir said.

The Representative also condemned the physical attack against the Editor-in-Chief of the Güney Haberci news website, Ergin Çevik, which took place on 20 May in Antalya. Earlier this month, journalists İdris Özyol and Yavuz Selim Demirağ were also victims of physical assaults. (The Representative’s previous statement is available here).

“I am seriously concerned that this is the fourth safety related incident against journalists in Turkey in only two weeks. The authorities need to do their utmost to ensure safe working conditions for all media professionals. Public condemnation is also a crucial element that serves as a preventive measure for the future. This worrying trend needs to be urgently addressed and reversed,” Désir concluded.