Free Media Union decries the threat against Journalist Nawaf Khalil

The journalist and director of the Kurdish Center for Studies, while interviewing in a program on Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath TV channel, to talk about the events taking place in occupied Afrin, was directly threatened by one of the media affiliated with the Turkish occupation state.

During his speech, the so-called "Baker Atajan" Nawaf Khalil threatened, "Turkish intelligence is in your office and will do its duty when necessary, not now," in reference to and proof that Turkish intelligence carried out assassinations against activists and to get rid of everyone who stands against the chauvinistic policy of the Turkish occupation state.

The Union of Free Media issued a statement condemning the threat to Nawaf Khalil, saying, "We consider this threat to come from the Turkish authorities directly, and through people wearing a media mask."

The text of the statement stated:

"In a flagrant violation of the journalistic code of honor and a clear violation of all international conventions and norms, one of the media figures speaking for the Turkish state, and in Arabic, "Bakir Atajan", and through a live television interview with Al-Hadath channel threatened the Syrian journalist, and the director of the Kurdish Center for Studies Nawaf Khalil, who resides in Germany directly.

Bakir Atajan threatened, on behalf of the Turkish state authorities, telling Mr. Nawaf Khalil, who was a co-guest in the television interview, that the Turkish intelligence was present in his office, and threatened him over the live broadcast.

We, as the Union of Free Media in North and East Syria, condemn this threat, which was directly received by the journalist Nawaf Khalil, director of the Kurdish Center for Studies, by the so-called Bakir Atajan.

Also, as a syndicate working to protect Syrian media professionals at home and abroad, we consider this threat to come directly from the Turkish authorities, and through disguised journalist with media

We call on Al-Hadath channel in particular, and all channels and media outlets to act responsibly towards the people who appear in the disguise of the media, and speak on behalf of the intelligence agencies of a country known for its hostility to the Kurdish people and its symbols wherever they may appear.

Accordingly, we call on human rights organizations concerned with defending press freedoms to assume their responsibilities towards this threat above.

T/ Satt.

ANHA