76 journalists imprisoned in Turkey: watchdog

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 October 2012

The Committee to Protect Journalists revealed that 76 journalists are currently imprisoned in Turkey. The report highlights concerns over government tactics suppressing media freedoms.

Summary

ANKARA: A media advocacy group is accusing Turkey of waging the "world's biggest crackdown" on media freedoms.

New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a report released Monday that 76 journalists are in prison in Turkey and at least 61 of them are held because for "their published work or newsgathering activities."

The CPJ said journalists have been imprisoned on a "mass scale" on terrorism and anti-state charges. It accused the Turkish government of using "pressure tactics" to create an environment of self-censorship.

The group said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pressured media groups to discipline or fire staff members, publicly deprecated journalists, and filed defamation lawsuits.

The government has rejected criticism that it seeks to muzzle opponents, insisting journalists are held for activity unrelated to journalism.- AP

KEY POINTS:

• 76 journalists imprisoned in Turkey according to CPJ report
• At least 61 are jailed for their work or newsgathering activities
• Mass incarceration tied to terrorism and anti-state charges
• Turkish government accused of fostering self-censorship
• Criticism of government repression rejected by officials.