(MENAFN) Stating that it has become a crime to be a journalist in this country, the chairman of one of Turkey's biggest opposition newspapers denied on Tuesday terror charges levied against staff members, The New Arab reported.
Akin Atalay, who has been imprisoned for over 500 days, is the only suspect who remains jailed. Sixteen others, mostly journalists, have been released gradually although remain on trial.
"Journalism is seen as a crime... Are you aware of the danger? Cumhuriyet daily has no other job than journalism and publishing activity," Atalay told the court.
In recent years, Cumhuriyet has published a series of revelations that were embarrassing for the authorities and has become the spearhead of an independent press that is now under more pressure than ever. It was awarded the RSF Press Freedom Prize in 2015.
The already worrying media situation in Turkey has become critical under the state of emergency that was proclaimed after a failed coup attempt in July 2016. Around 150 media outlets have been closed, mass trials are being held, and more than 100 journalists are currently in prison, a world record.
Turkey is ranked 155th out of 180 countries in RSF"s 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
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