ISTANBUL, Turkey, — After the capture and detention of Kurdish journalists on 20 December, 36 journalists remained in custody for allegedly being “member of an illegal organization,” referring to Kurdistan Community Unions (KCK).
Of 42 journalists arrested on 20 December 36 journalists sent to prison by Istanbul Vocation Court. The remaining six were released today morning on conditions of trial without arrest.
The court defended the decision of arrest for 36 journalists by the reason of “strong evidence suspect” and “probability of obfuscating the evidences”.
The court decision was protested by the people waiting in front of the court till the end of the interrogation at early morning hours to support the members and labourers of free press.
Tension rose in front of the court when journalists were being taken to police vehicles from the court. The mass staged a sit-in act and blocked the way of vehicles for some time.