Two more journalists detained in Turkey, press-freedom organisations warn of ‘systematic pressure’

Two journalists, Sadiye Eser and Sadik Topaloglu from the Mesopotamia News Agency (MA) were detained on terror charges early December as press-freedom organisations warned of “systematic pressure” from the Turkish state.

They were leaving the media organisation’s office in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul last week when they were held. They have been referred to court on charges of “membership of a terrorist organisation” based purely on their journalistic activities.

At least 20 MA employees are behind bars currently and it is a frequent target of the Turkish state with scores of its journalists detained in police operations or when covering anti-government protests.