Press Release
The General Prosecutor Approves the Circular “On the Investigation of Cases About the Safety of Journalists and the Media”
Today, the General Prosecutor, Olsian Çela, approved the Circular “On the Investigation of Cases About the Safety of Journalists and the Media."
Recognizing that media freedom is vital for the proper functioning of a democratic society and that the safety of journalists and media against any form of illegal action constituting a criminal offense is crucial for upholding the constitutional and convention’s right to freedom of expression, the General Prosecutor's Office is engaged to prioritize the investigation of attacks on journalists and media as a key institutional focus.
This circular seeks to enhance coordination and strengthen institutional capacities to protect journalists from threats, violence, or illegal actions hindering their professional work.
According to the circular, prosecutors and heads of prosecution's offices are required to prioritize cases about the safety of journalists and the media. They must also provide ongoing oversight of the judicial police officers investigating these cases to ensure the promptness and quality of the investigations.