EFJ-IFJ launch a transitional solidarity fund for journalists in Turkey
Journalists in Turkey have in recent years faced unprecedented state crackdown. Despite the lifting in July 2018 of a two-year long state of emergency, the press continues to be stifled and journalists to face trials, job insecurity and abuse. Thousands of journalists have been sacked in recently years, particularly in the last two, with catastrophic impact on the victims and their families.
To support journalists in need and their families, the International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ/EFJ) have established a transitional solidarity fund for journalists in Turkey.
This solidarity fund provides financial relief to prosecuted and sacked journalists. It will offer legal and humanitarian support to targeted journalists or their families and will constitute a rapid response to acute cases and longer-term support for the most in need.
The IFJ/EFJ transitional Solidarity Fund covers the following areas of assistance:
- Legal advice or defense of prosecuted or jailed journalists/media staff.
- Immediate humanitarian assistance for journalists or families of journalists and media staff whose ‘bread-winner’ has been jailed or prosecuted.
- Medical fees for jailed/prosecuted journalists or a family member.
This transitional solidarity fund is a source of aid and comfort and a symbol of international solidarity that encourages journalists to carry on in times of struggle and distress.
The applications for this fund are restricted to journalists based in Turkey.
