“Release the Arrested Journalists”
Frank Überall, who also spoke to the International Journalists Association e.V., said: “Journalism is not a crime. On the contrary, journalism is a fundamental right, even an internationally recognized human right. And this should also apply in Turkey. Journalists belong in editorial offices, not in prison cells. Under pressure from the European Union and the German government, this must be made clear. The DJV stands in solidarity with our colleagues in prison in Turkey who are trying to do their job here. Free them!”
‘Visa for Exiled Journalists’
Frank Überall, President of the Association of German Journalists, also called for an easier visa process for exiled journalists: “I call on the Federal Republic of Germany to exert the necessary influence at the European level and to guarantee the safety of Turkish colleagues who are not committing crimes, who are carrying out their public duties. So if journalists are being persecuted, of course, they also have the right to asylum and they can use such a procedure or at least get a temporary visa and have the opportunity to work here. They can come here and continue their work in exile. Because this is a very difficult situation. So we need quick and non-bureaucratic solutions. And that means, first and foremost, facilitating the visa process. But of course not only for Turkey. It also needs to be made easier for Russian journalists. The visa should be seen as a basic human right in this current situation.”
