Turkey’s Parliament Guards Blocked Two Journalists From Entering – Then Demanded a “Strip Search”
Turkish journalists Tuğçe Tatari and Rengin Azizoğlu were blocked from entering the Turkish Parliament last week after security guards insisted on what they called a “detailed search” – a demand the journalists’ union has condemned as an attempted strip search.
The incident occurred at the Dikmen Gate as the two reporters attempted to cover a group meeting of the main opposition party, the CHP. Security guards refused them entry unless they submitted to the invasive search. The Turkish Journalists’ Association (TGA) strongly condemned the demand, arguing it violates journalistic freedom and basic privacy rights [178184]. No injuries or arrests were reported, but the journalists were prevented from entering the building [178184].
Separately, a Turkish lawmaker has called for a new investigation into the suspicious death of Emel Akbaş in Antep, noting that journalists remain in prison while alleged abusers walk free [176923].