Turkey: AFP demands the immediate release of its photojournalist Yasin Akgül
AFP strongly condemns the detention of its journalist and photographer Yasin Akgül and calls for his immediate release. This is a serious attack on the freedom of the media.
According to the Turkish authorities, Yasin Akgül was taking part in an illegal gathering in Istanbul.
This detention, which has no legal basis, comes more than 24 hours after he was arrested at his home at dawn, infront of his wife and two young children.
“His imprisonment is unacceptable. This is why I am asking you to intervene as quickly as possible to obtain the rapid release of our journalist,” said Fabrice Fries, AFP’s chairman, in a letter addressed to the Turkish presidency.
“Yasin Akgül was not part of the protest. As a journalist, he was covering one of the many demonstrations that have been organised in the country since Wednesday March 19. He has taken exactly 187 photographs since the start of the protests, each one a witness to his work as a journalist,” said Fries.
“It is the job of a photographer to be where the events are occurring, including getting between protesters and the forces of order. Yasin Akgül is one of the best photographers and his professional qualities are recognised the world over,” he added.
For 10 years, Yasin Akgül has covered Turkish political news for AFP in all its aspects, including political rallies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. AFP calls on the Turkish authorities to respect the freedom of the press and the work of journalists, essential pillars of any democratic society.