| Turkey |
The Right Honourable Recep Tayyip Erdogan According to reports, Mr Hayirsevener, chief editor of Güney Marmara'da Yasam, was shot three times in the leg while leaving his office in Bandirma, Balikesir province, on 18 December. He was taken to hospital but died later the same day from massive blood loss. Mr Hayirsevener had reportedly recently received death threats after covering a local corruption scandal involving the three owners of another major newspaper in Bandirma, İlkhaber, who were found guilty of accepting cash payouts from a former mayor. We respectfully remind you that it is the duty of the state to provide an environment in which journalists are able to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation. Such incidents foster a climate of fear that inhibits investigation and can promote self-censorship. |
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