Two important developments closely related with the freedom of thought and expression that constitute the key for the progress of our country and the increasing of our welfare, as well as the fundamentals with regard to ensuring the rule of law made their mark in the previous week.
(1) We learned that three journalists who are known for their critical approaches were arrested for the reason that they reported news regarding a funeral attended by state officials, as well as the martyrdom of an official of the National Intelligence Organization, which was announced, in detail, by a member of the parliament. One of those reporters, Murat Ağırel, was released, at first, by a judge of the criminal court of peace; however, he was subsequently subjected to a police operation at his home, and at the house of his previous mother-in-law, at dawn – even though he did not attempt to escape, and he was not a terror suspect-, he was arrested by another judge of the criminal court of peace.
(2) We, regretfully, watched the riot police intervening in a demonstration of women who had gathered in the streets of Beyoğlu to get to the Taksim square to celebrate the March 8 International Women’s Day. Because the women did not disperse from the gathering as they attempted to enter the square, the women were attacked by the police, and were subjected to a disproportionate use of force.
