Journalists banned from entering police stations in Turkey

PanARMENIAN.Net - Journalists will no longer be allowed to enter police departments in Turkey, a statement released by the country’s police has said, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

“Representatives of the press will not be allowed into the Police Departments across Turkey from Dec 22, 2013,” a statement said.

Journalists, who use the press rooms at the Vatan and Gayrettepe Police Departments [in Istanbul] were urged “to return their keys and entrance cards.”

The move came amid a reshuffle in the system that saw more than 100 police chiefs being removed from their posts, which followed a far-reaching graft investigation. Two sons of ministers have been arrested as part of the probe.

Turkey Journalists Federation (TGF) criticized the decision, saying that it not only prevents people from getting information but also imposes censure.

“We condemn the decision to ban journalists’ activity at a time when the public needs to know the facts and we call on the Interior Ministry and the Police Department to reconsider the decision, which will go as a black stain in Turkish press history,” the statement said.