OSCE Media Freedom Representative Teresa Ribeiro appalled by killing of Turkish journalist Güngör Arslan, urges swift justice
VIENNA, 21 February 2022 — The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expressed her shock and outrage at the news of the killing of journalist Güngör Arslan, the owner and editor of the local news site Ses Kocaeli, in Turkey.
“I am appalled and strongly condemn this vile attack,” said Ribeiro. “I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Arslan’s family, friends and colleagues. An attack on a journalist is an attack on freedom of expression and on democracy. There can be no impunity for such a despicable act of violence.”
On Saturday, Arslan died in hospital from gunshot injuries shortly after he was shot in the chest and leg in broad daylight outside his Ses Kocaeli office in the city of Izmit in the Kocaeli province. Shortly after the fatal shooting, the police reportedly arrested the suspected gunman, along with several other individuals, and an investigation was launched into the killing.
The longtime journalist is known for his local investigative journalism exposing corruption and malfeasance cases. Over the past few years, he was subjected to attacks in relation to his journalistic work.
Representative Ribeiro welcomed the Turkish police’s swift response in arresting the alleged suspect. “I urge the Turkish authorities to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for planning and executing this horrific attack, and to clearly determine the motivation behind it as quickly as possible.”
Ribeiro reiterated her deep concern over the increasing trend of violence against journalists around the OSCE region, which is all too often perpetrated in direct reprisal for their work. “Freedom of journalists to carry out their work safely and securely and for citizens to have access to information of public interest is a fundamental human right, without which a democratic society cannot flourish,” the Representative said. “I call on all OSCE participating States to support and enable a free, safe and pluralistic media environment.”
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.