Journalists covering ongoing protests in Turkey’s Van have faced a series of violent attacks, according to a rights watchdog. Attacks with plastic bullets and water cannons have targeted media workers during ongoing protests against the government’s attempts to stop Abdullah Zeydan, the mayor-elect from the pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), from taking office.
During the protests, numerous instances of human rights violations have been reported, with journalists specifically targeted for documenting these violations.
According to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) among the journalists targeted, Kadir Cesur, a reporter for Gazete Duvar, and Rabia Önver, a reporter for Jin News, were injured by plastic bullets, while Serkan Kaya, another journalist, received death threats. Additionally, Ruşen Takva was subjected to a water cannon intervention during a live broadcast.
The police response to the protests in Van, also involving the use of tear gas and water cannons, has resulted in the injury of several journalists.
Gazete Duvar’s Van correspondent, Cesur, was hit by two plastic bullets during the police intervention following the 31 March election celebrations. Cesur sustained bruises on his body due to the bullets hitting his knee and leg. He was again hit by a plastic bullet on 2 April while covering the protests against the refusal to grant the mandate.
Rabia Önver, a reporter for Jin News, was also injured by a plastic bullet fired by the police while covering the protest demonstrations in Yüksekova.
During a live broadcast, journalist Ruşen Takva was exposed to water cannon pressure while reporting on the protest actions in Van. Later, he announced via Twitter that he had been subjected to digital violence due to his journalistic activities.
Furthermore, Medine Mamedoğlu, another journalist, reported being attacked on social media for exposing the human rights violations during the protests.
In Hakkâri, journalist Serkan Kaya faced death threats after capturing footage of individuals allegedly using firearms against demonstrators, who were claimed to be close associates of the AKP Hakkari Provincial Chairman. Pursued by armed individuals threatening his life, Kaya sought refuge in a nearby building. The individuals reportedly threatened, “Come out, we will kill you.”
The escalating violence against journalists covering the protests raises concern over press freedom and the safety of media personnel in the region.