IPI Condemns Turkish Raids in Search of Unpublished Book

Sik had reportedly planned to name his book "The Army of the Imam" in reference to followers of influential Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. Sik's wife said yesterday that police told her that she and anyone else with copies of the book would face accusations of "aiding a criminal organization" unless all copies are turned over.

Authorities accuse Sik of being part of the Ergenekon plot, which allegedly sought to create chaos through assassinations and attacks that would lead to calls for the military to take power from the current government. Turkish authorities have implicated hundreds of politicians, retired military officers, academics and journalists in the plot since its existence was first alleged in 2007.

Critics have accused the government of using the alleged plot to silence its opponents. The Freedom for Journalists Platform, an umbrella group representing local and national media organizations in Turkey, including IPI's Turkish National Committee, has reported that Turkish authorities have targeted 68 journalists in criminal proceedings relating to the Ergenekon probe, activities on behalf of Kurdish groups, or membership in banned organisations.

Turkish officials maintain that Sik and other journalists have not been arrested because of their work. However, they have declined to release evidence purportedly linking journalists to the Ergenekon plot.

IPI Press & Communications Manager Anthony Mills said: "We remain highly concerned at the possibility that journalists are being targeted purely because of their work. The media have a fundamental right to keep citizens informed about issues of public interest, and constitute a pillar of any healthy democracy."

This press release is supported by the South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate.

ENDS

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