1,863 journalists fired during 12 years of AKP rule: oppositionOctober 28, 2014 - 10:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Some 1,863 journalists have been fired during 12 years of Justice and Development Party (AKP) rule, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Chair Veli Ağbaba said, while releasing a new party report on the issue. According to Hurriyet Daily News, the report, titled “Journalists Whose Pens Are Broken,” has been printed as a book, and includes 42 media workers telling the story of their dismissals, Ağbaba told reporters Monday, Oct 27, adding that 20 of these individuals did not even want to be named, fearing the consequences. He also stressed that the number of unionized journalists had decreased markedly in recent years, from 21 percent in 2009 to just 4.7 percent in 2014, according to the report penned by the CHP. The AKP has become the “biggest media boss” of Turkey, Ağbaba said, adding that the CHP would also be sending the report to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The report includes three lists: Individually dismissed journalists, collectively fired journalists, and currently imprisoned journalists. It also includes the warnings of several international organizations about the grave state of Turkish media freedom. Ağbaba said the report would be translated and sent on to international organizations. Prominent CHP deputy Özgür Özel, meanwhile, described the lack of an “independent, real press union as the most important lesson to be taken from the report.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |