Turkish media watchdog urges Erdogan to stop ‘bullying’ journalistsJune 2, 2015 - 13:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A media freedom watchdog has called on Turkey's president to stop "bullying" journalists after he accused a newspaper editor of espionage and threatened punishment for publishing images of what the paper said were Turkish trucks carrying ammunition to Syrian militants, the Associated Press reports. In a statement late Monday, June 1, the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for threatening legal action against the Cumhuriyet newspaper editor Can Dundar. Last week, the paper published images from January 2014 when local authorities searched Syria-bound trucks, touching off a standoff with Turkish intelligence officials. Cumhuriyet said the images were proof that Turkey was smuggling arms to rebels — a claim the government rejects. The CPJ said: "We call on (Erdogan) to stop bullying journalists ... just because he doesn't like what they 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |