News Center- Just after the detention operation against more than 100 people as part of an investigation launched in Amed (Diyarbakır), another operation was launched against opposition figures on April 29, 2023 as part of an investigation launched in Ankara. 15 people, who were taken into custody in several cities on April 29, were brought to Ankara. Dicle Fırat Journalists’ Association Co-chair Dicle Müftüoğlu, Mesopotamia Agency (MA) editor Sedat Yılmaz and his wife Selma Yılmaz were detained in Amed while Sedat Yılmaz’s sister Filiz Yılmaz were detained in Istanbul. The journalists sent a message calling for the defense of journalism through their lawyers.

‘We call for the defense of journalism’

“As the continuation of a tradition of more than 30 years, there is an attempt to silence us. Just two days ago, five journalists were arrested in an operation launched in Diyarbakır. Despite those who have been trying to criminalize us with similar operations for years, our search for the truth continues. No obstacle can darken the truth. We call on all my colleagues to defend journalism against such operations,” said Dicle Müftüoğlu in her message.

‘Nothing can silence our pen’

The message of Sedat Yılmaz, who calls for solidarity, is as follows:

“Dear colleagues and friends, I am very strong and cheerful. Nothing can make us bow down to the mafia, to the drug lords and silence our pen. What I expect from you is to strengthen the solidarity. I saw my colleague Dicle Müftüoğlu, she sent her greeting to you. Me, my wife, my sister are in custody. We had to leave our 13-year-old daughter to our relatives in Diyarbakır. Greetings and love.”