Journalists’ association reaffirms solidarity with Western Thrace Turkish journalists
The Journalists’ Association has reaffirmed its solidarity with Turkish journalists from Western Thrace after a commentary published by Rodopi Press questioned their acceptance of journalism awards and raised concerns about the association’s independence and the funding of Turkish-language media outlets in the region.
The commentary, written by Rodopi Press director Nikos Arvanitis and published on 18 October, named and pictured four award recipients: Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Hasan Hasan, Necat Ahmet and Mehmet Hasan, who works with the Germany-based Avrupanın Sesi online news platform.
The journalists received awards in the Western Thrace Turkish press category as part of the association’s 2025–2026 awards programme. Their participation in an awards event in Ankara and their meeting with association representatives were among the issues raised in the commentary.
COMMENTARY QUESTIONS AWARDS AND MEDIA FUNDING
Arvanitis criticised the association’s alleged links with media circles close to the Turkish government and questioned its independence. The commentary also referred to the presence of employees of Türkiye’s public broadcaster, TRT, in the association’s management and raised broader concerns about press freedom in Türkiye.
The article further questioned the Western Thrace journalists’ decision to accept awards from the association and asked whether professional solidarity extended beyond participation in events in Ankara.
It also raised questions about the funding of Turkish-language media outlets operating in Western Thrace, calling for greater transparency over possible advertising and other public funding from municipalities, professional chambers, municipal companies and the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
These points were presented as criticisms and allegations in the commentary.
ASSOCIATION SAYS SOLIDARITY WILL CONTINUE
In a statement issued following the publication, the Journalists’ Association said it would maintain its ties of solidarity with journalists from Western Thrace.
The association explained that an awards ceremony planned for 16 October 2026 in Ankara had been postponed because of a natural disaster in Türkiye. It said journalists from Western Thrace, Palestine and Germany who had travelled to Türkiye to receive their awards nevertheless met with association representatives and were presented with their awards.
The association expressed regret that the gathering had caused concern among some circles in Greece, questioning why journalists meeting, celebrating professional achievements and demonstrating solidarity should become subjects of criticism.
The statement also referred to longstanding issues affecting the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, including the non-recognition by Greek authorities of muftis selected by the minority community, as well as its demands concerning identity, education and religious freedoms. The association argued that these issues should be considered in light of democratic principles and human rights.
It said its purpose was not to support any political agenda, but to protect the dignity of journalism, strengthen professional solidarity and amplify journalists’ voices regardless of where they work.
“OUR SOLIDARITY WITH OUR COLLEAGUES WILL NEVER BE BROKEN”
Reaffirming its commitment to Western Thrace’s Turkish journalists, the association said it would not distance itself from them or abandon their shared historical, cultural and fraternal ties.
“No one should expect us to distance ourselves from our compatriots or abandon our shared history, culture and bonds of brotherhood. We are journalists. Across borders, we recognise our colleagues’ work, appreciate their achievements and defend their rights,” the statement said.
The association added that it would not remain silent in the face of what it described as the disregard of democratic and peaceful efforts to preserve Turkish identity, culture and collective memory in Western Thrace.
It concluded by reiterating that its solidarity with Turkish journalists in the region would continue.
