CHP leader slams post-coup imprisonment of Turkish journalists

ANKARA

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has criticized the imprisonment of dozens of writers and journalists in the ongoing crackdown on government opponents in the aftermath of Turkey’s failed July 15 coup attempt. 

“Those who prevent writers, journalists and intellectuals from celebrating Eid al-Adha with their loved ones have no right to talk about democracy,” Kılıçdaroğlu posted on his Twitter account late on Sept 14.

The CHP leader had earlier slammed the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for taking “indiscriminate” post-coup attempt measures and carrying out a “witch hunt” against independent media, academics and teachers. 

In a statement on Sept. 9, Kılıçdaroğlu had warned officials carrying out post-coup attempt investigations to stick to the principles of presumption of innocence and individual criminal responsibility. 

Dozens of Turkish journalists, writers and academics have been detained on the grounds of suspected links to terrorist organizations since July 15, raising protests from local and international rights groups.