Ombudsman Expects Criminal Prosecution Regarding Incidents of Violence against Reporters

The Ombudsman’s Office received reports stating reporters have been subjected to violence and were obstructed from carrying out their work.

“According to received reports, those were carried out by nonuniformed police officers. The Police must immediately present clarifications regarding violence against reporters, and the possible involvement of non-uniformed police officers in obstructing the reporters’ work.

We have documented all reports, immediate criminal prosecution should be initiated based on the reports, and detailed investigation must be carried out to reveal all culprits.

We ask all citizens who possess footage on violence against reporters or the possible involvement of police officers to immediately contact the Ombudsman’s office. The Ombudsman’s Office guarantees the privacy of the persons who possess this information. We also received emergency calls regarding the detention of civilians and violence against them. Necessary measures are underway in this regard,” the Ombudsman’s statement reads.

According to the Police statement – Police took measures against persons who attempted to breach the police line around the seized police precinct. A clash occurred, as a result, unfortunately, representatives of the media were injured as well. According to preliminary information, media hardware was damaged. Incidents involving media representatives will be subject of immediate investigation, circumstances will be clarified and additional information will be provided.