Press watchdog calls for action after journalist shot in Turkey

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last month |  CPJ News Alert

ISTANBUL—The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged the Turkish authorities to investigate the armed assault on journalist Nafiz Koca and determine whether it was carried out in retaliation for his work. 

Koca, chair of the Elazığ Press and Media Society and publisher of the local newspapers Günışığı and Yeni Ufuk in the eastern province of Elazığ, was shot in the leg with a shotgun on October 14 in front of the outlets’ offices. The attack was captured on video. The bullet did not harm any bones or arteries in Koca’s leg, according to the hospital where he is being treated. Elazığ police took a suspect into custody. 

“The shooting of Günışığı and Yeni Ufuk publisher Nafiz Koca in Elazığ requires a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive behind the assault,” said Özgür Öğret, CPJ’s Turkey representative. “Turkish authorities in Elazığ should ensure the security of Koca and prove that such violent attacks on the press have consequences.” 

CPJ sent an email requesting comment from the Elazığ chief prosecutor’s office, but did not receive a reply.