Colleagues gather to urge release of Turkish journalist kidnapped in Syria

ISTANBUL

Daily Milliyet’s photojournalist Bünyamin Aygün was kidnapped 38 days ago by al-Qaeda-linked groups in Syria. DHA photo

Journalists and media body members gathered in Istanbul’s Taksim today to call on authorities to intensify efforts for the release of colleague Bünyamin Aygün, who was kidnapped by al-Qaeda-linked groups in Syria.

Aygün, daily Milliyet’s photojournalist, was kidnapped 40 days ago and efforts to secure his release have yet to yield results.

Aygün’s colleagues gathered at Galatasaray Square and walked through Tünel to draw attention to his kidnapping, carrying signs that called for his release. 

Police forces were also deployed at the district before the protests began.

“The only information we have about Aygün is his heath is in good condition. But other questions such as ‘where is he?’ ‘Who kidnapped him? Why is he being held in captive?’ are unanswered,” said the statement released for the protest. “We have waited until today, but we worry about Bünyamin’s life.”

“We want our colleague to be released. Release Bünyamin Aygün. Journalists are free!” the statement said.