A NEWLY formed solidarity group has launched a campaign for journalists who have their equipment confiscated or destroyed by the Turkish state as they try to silence opposition voices.

Journalists for Democracy in Turkey and Kurdistan is appealing for support for a number of journalists who have made contact with the group who have had cameras, recording devices and computers damaged or confiscated during the course of their work.

It warned that this is a further attack on press freedom in Turkey which has more journalists in jail than any other country — a third of the world’s total.

As reported in Saturday’s Morning Star, supporters have started a crowdfunder for Kurdish journalist Meltem Oktay after her camera was taken by the authorities.

She was handed a four-year sentence on terrorism charges for reporting from Nusaybin during military operations by the Turkish state in 2016.

It was also in Nusaybin that Journalists for Democracy in Turkey and Kurdistan patron Zehra Dogan, whose exhibition opens at the Tate tomorrow, was arrested for a painting depicting the destruction.

Journalists Zeynep Kuray and Irfan Tunccelik, from the Mesopotamia News Agency, were taken into custody as they reported on the Peace Mothers vigil in support of Kurdish hunger strike earlier this month.

Both were released after two days, however their equipment was confiscated by the prosecutor’s office.

A social media campaign was launched saying: “Journalism is not a crime, journalism cannot be blocked,” demanding the pair have their equipment returned.

Journalists for Democracy in Turkey and Kurdistan said: “International solidarity is vital. Journalists face extreme pressure in Turkey as they try and shine a light into dark places. 

“We urge people to support the campaign and support our brothers and sisters.

“Please raise this issue as widely as possible, help us raise funds and support press freedom in Turkey.”