WE DEFEND THE RULE OF LAW AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

The rule of law, judicial independence, and the right to a fair trial must be defended at all
times and for everyone. One of the indispensable elements of a contemporary, democratic,
and secular society is a free press. A free press is the voice of the people, the mirror of truth,
and one of the strongest mechanisms of democratic oversight.
The ability of the press to operate freely is of vital importance for society’s access to
accurate information and for ensuring the accountability of those in power. The
appointment of a trustee to TELE 1 TV before interrogation proceedings had even begun
against its Editor-in-Chief, journalist Merdan Yanardağ, gives rise to profound concern with
regard to the rule of law, judicial independence, the principle of a fair trial, freedom of the
press and expression, and the right to property.
Silencing the press means silencing the voice of society.
As Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği (ÇYDD), we once again emphasize that standing up
for democratic values, freedom of thought and expression, and freedom of the press is a
collective social responsibility.
The press cannot be silenced; freedoms cannot be obstructed.
We will continue to defend the rule of law, judicial independence, and the right to a fair
trial for everyone, at all times.