At least 25 journalists released pending trial in Turkey

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published March 31, 2017

NEW YORK - Courts in Istanbul and Antalya ordered the release pending trial of at least 25 journalists jailed in the aftermath of the July 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey.

The journalists continue to face a variety of terrorism charges, are under a travel ban, and must regularly check in with police, according to CPJ research.

“We call on Turkish authorities to release all journalists imprisoned for their work and to drop all charges against them,” CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said.

“The unprecedented crackdown on the press has deprived Turkish citizens of independent coverage on subjects of vital public interest and has contributed to the rapid decline of democratic governance in the country.”

Among the 19 journalists, Istanbul’s 25th Court for Serious Crimes ordered released Friday was Abdullah Kılıç, a former journalist with the newspaper Meydan, whose case is highlighted by CPJ’s #FreeThePress campaign this month.

Separately, a court in the Mediterranean city of Antalya ordered another six journalists also detained following the failed coup released Friday, according to media reports, and Istanbul’s 24th Court for Serious Crimes acquitted veteran journalist Hasan Cemal of terrorism charges, his employer reported.

At the time of CPJ’s most recent annual prison census, Turkey held at least 81 journalists in retaliation for their work, more than any other country at any given time since CPJ started keeping records in 1992. - Committee to Protect Journalists

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.