US response to free speech in Turkey: We are concerned

There was a US reaction when MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and his deputies reprimanded and assaulted journalist Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu.

Yildiz Yazicioglu, Ankara correspondent for US television Voice of America, handed Bahçeli a microphone in the Parliament hall the day before: “It is being discussed that Erdogan cannot be a candidate for the third time. he had asked the question. Bahceli responded to Yazicioglu: “I guess you didn’t hear me, it’s understandable.”

As the reporter asked Bahçeli, who wanted to leave the area, this time with a question starting with “The accusations against the MHP in the murder of Sinan Ateş…”, the MHP leader got angry and said: “I just do your job, come on.” A 25-year-old journalist, Yazıcıoğlu was also exposed to the intervention of MHP deputies.

While these images provoked a reaction from press organizations in Turkey, there was also a reaction from the US. US State Department spokesman Ned Price in reaction to the intimidation of Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu by of Bahçeli and his bodyguards, said: “Freedom of expression strengthens democracy and must be protected, even when it includes rhetoric that some find controversial or offensive.”

“Voice of America reports have long been a vital source of factual news and information. “The United States remains concerned about widespread restrictions on free expression in Turkey.”