Erdoğan condemns killing of Palestinian journalists in plain sight

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a poignant address to media representatives on Tuesday, condemning the killing of journalists in Palestine, which he described as occurring "before the very eyes of the world." A staunch advocate for Palestinian rights, Erdoğan expressed his dismay that the global community remains largely silent in the face of these tragedies.

"Since we last convened here, many members of the press have died across the world, primarily in Gaza," Erdoğan stated during the 10th edition of the Anatolia Media Awards, held in Ankara. He highlighted the grim statistic of 212 journalists who have lost their lives due to Israel's relentless assaults on Gaza. "Before the very eyes of the world, before the very eyes of the foreign press where our opposition rushes to complain about their country, Palestinian journalists are being slaughtered," he lamented.

Erdoğan fondly remembered each of the fallen journalists as defenders of truth. Since October 7, 2023, the risks faced by Palestinian journalists have escalated dramatically, with many perishing while reporting on the ground or in their homes during Israeli airstrikes. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights reported that the number of journalist deaths in this conflict marks the highest recorded globally since 1992. Furthermore, at least 409 media workers have sustained injuries, 48 have been arrested, and 21 prominent social media journalists have been killed since the onset of hostilities. The Gaza Government Media Office also noted that entire families of journalists have been obliterated, with significant damage to their homes and an estimated $400 million loss to Gaza's media sector due to the destruction of news agencies and equipment.

In his speech, Erdoğan lauded the "Anatolian media," referring to local newspapers across Türkiye's provinces as "the nation’s voice." He commended them for their efforts in combating disinformation and correctly informing the public. "The ceremony today is a symbol of our solidarity for journalists fighting for truth in an era of disinformation and lies," he proclaimed.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by local media, Erdoğan acknowledged the difficult conditions under which journalists operate, often pressured by local adversaries and economic hardships. He recounted his own experiences as a target of biased media campaigns, especially during the lead-up to his imprisonment years ago, long before he formed the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Erdoğan recalled how the media, aligned with the secular elite, painted him and his contemporaries as “reactionary” figures during the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the 1997 coup.

Erdoğan asserted that despite past grievances, Türkiye today enjoys a more open media landscape. "To be frank, this atmosphere of freedom often crosses into irresponsibility and lawlessness," he remarked. He emphasized that media organizations in Türkiye operate with a level of freedom that frequently surpasses that of their Western counterparts, particularly on issues of national security.

The president reflected on various incidents that showcased media's role in political narratives, including the MIT trucks incident and the Gezi Park protests, asserting that Türkiye has faced significant challenges from media campaigns orchestrated by groups like the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). He condemned the portrayal of Türkiye as a supporter of terrorism, emphasizing the need for ethical journalism and accountability in media practices.

Through his remarks, Erdoğan sought to underscore the vital role of journalists in safeguarding democracy and the importance of supporting those who bravely report in perilous conditions.