Ziya Ataman, a reporter of DİHA which was closed down with a decree of law, is in prison since April 11, 2016. Journalists made a call for solidarity for Ataman who will stand trial for the 9th time on September 24, in Şırnak 1st High Criminal Court and demanded his release.

 

 

Evrensel Newspaper Exevutive Editor Fatih Polar who drew attention to the fact that there are no concrete evidence about Ataman and his long imprisonement, said: "Our friend and colleague Ziya Ataman is in prison for a long time now. He has serious health problems. He is struggling with a serious illness. His tretment needs to be done outside. We want him to be released on his hearing on September 24. We also want the release of our colleagues who have been falsly imprisoned."

   

 

Turkey Journalists' Union (TGS) President Gökhan Durmuş recalling that Ataman is in prison for more than 3 years, said: "Both the prosecutor and the judge that arrested him are discharged as a result of an FETÖ investigation, but that did not drop the false charges about Ataman. He is still under arrest. Locking journalists in prisons will not conceal the facts not finishes journalism as an occupation."

 

 

Free Journalists Initiative (ÖGİ) spokesperson Hakkı Boltan who stated that the government officials are trying to acquit themselves by arguing that there are no journalists in prison, stated that Ataman is in prison due to anonymous witness statements. Boltan stating that Ataman has serious health problems, said: "They are trying to kill him in prison. As the initiative, we will be there on the day of the hearing and we are calling on to everyone to be sensitive about the petitions and the campaigns about Ataman and support us through this process. We are urging the international press organizations to act against this lawfullness with us."