European MP: Seizure of İpek media justifies concerns over press freedom in Turkey

German politician Ska Keller, vice chairwoman of the Greens in the European Parliament and a member of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), has said Turkish government’s seizure of critical İpek Media Group justifies concerns over the deteriorating situation of press freedom in Turkey.

Stating that she is highly concerned over recent developments in Turkey, Keller said her concerns grew after a series of meetings she had with Turkish journalists during a visit to the country last week. Noting that the appointment of a trustee to the Koza İpek Holding, which is also active in the media, also justified these concerns.

Stressing that press freedom is crucial in democracies, Keller said democracy would not function in a country where journalists are attacked and media organizations are seized.

Published on Today's Zaman, 26 October 2015, Monday

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