NEWS CENTER - CFWIJ made a statement for the journalists Canan Kaya and Nevşin Mengü, who were criticized for the funds they received, and stated that they are in solidarity with the journalists.

 

While the attacks against journalists in the country continue without slowing down, it can be seen that especially women journalists are more targeted. One of the examples of this was the fact that the independent women journalists MedyaKoridor Chief Editor Canan Kaya and Nevşin Mengü were exposed to social media attacks regarding the funds they received to support the independent media.

 

‘We will not give up our job’

 

Regarding the attacks, MedyaKoridor Chief Editor Canan Kaya spoke to the Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ) regarding the criticism that was “financed”. Stating that the attack continued for days, Canan stated that EU funds have been available for years to support independent media and that it is a transparent system. Canan pointed out that this is neither a shame nor something to be ashamed of, and gave the message that they will not give up journalism no matter how difficult the conditions are.

 

‘They are being targeted instead of supporting’

 

In a statement on the subject, CFWIJ stated that they are in solidarity with the two journalists. In the statement made by CFWIJ, the following statements were included: 

 

‘’Independent journalists Canan Kaya and Nevşin Mengü were targeted on the grounds of the international funds they received to finance their profession after the immigration debates flared up in Turkey. Journalists were subjected to hate speech by many users on social media. As CFWIJ, we condemn the outrageous attacks on journalists. We stand by journalists who pursue their profession independently and defend a free press. Since women journalists prefer to do independent journalism under difficult conditions, they are targeted when they should be supported.’’

 

Remarkable statement from Fahrettin Altun

 

Following the attacks, Turkish Presidency Communications Director Fahrettin Altun made a statement that independent media organizations were funding from foreign countries. Fahrettin underlined that they will follow the subject by saying: ‘’There are various media organizations operating in similar status in Turkey and directly funded by foreign states.’’