“Turkey is the biggest prison for Journalists”

Imprisoned Turkish Journalists were mentioned during the awards ceremony where many Canadian Media Organizations were present.

The Gala which is organized every year by CJFE (Canadaian Journalists For Free Expression) was at theRoyal York Hotel in Toronto this year. Well known newspaper editors, executives, journalists, politicians and artists attended the Ceremony. Ceremony started off with a presentation by CJFE directors Duncan Pike and Megan Drysdale. Opening speech included issues on free expression and media, pressures implemented towards journalists. They stated Turkey as the country where most imprisoned journalists are located and added, “Turkey is a big prison for journalists.” Most oppressed journalists are reported to be in Turkey. A moment of silence was held in respect to the journalists who were killed. Orouba Barakat and her 22 year old daughter, Halla Barakat killed in Istanbul were also included within these journalists.

On the other hand, lawyer Irwin Cotler who was the former Minister of Justice in Canada, human rights activist and advocate to the people persecuted by the Ahmedinejad regime, also attended the ceremony. Cotler said, “I am closely following the human rights violation issues in Turkey and the arrests of judges, prosecutors, journalists and academicians. They must centralize true democracy.` It was said that health, education and financial aid would be given to not only Canadians but to journalists who came from all around the globe. The ceremony ended after dinner was served.