The intense one protest for the action of the Turkish authorities to deny entry in Turkey on journalist Nikos Aslanidiswho participated in a multi-member mission of members of the Union to Istanbul for the purpose of visiting the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which was organized by the Educational Foundation of ESIEM-TH expresses the Union of Editors of Macedonia-Thrace.

“The colleague, known for his long-standing and reliable professional career, but also for his extensive journalistic-research work on Pontic Hellenismwas informed by the Turkish Border Police that he was being denied entry into Turkey, with no clear justification other than being classified as “undesirable person, dangerous for the country”.

This action testifies to the illiberal perception of the Turkish authorities regarding journalism and information, it is a flagrant violation of the right of journalists to move, investigate and transmit information without restrictions,” the Union’s announcement states.

The Board of Directors of ESIEM-TH, as specified, in addition to its immediate actions last Friday 17/10 for the safe return of Nikos Aslanidis to Greek territory, met yesterday, Saturday 18/10, with the Consul General of Greece in Istanbul, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, and discussed with him the case about which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed.

He also informed the European Federation of Journalists about the issue and is preparing relevant complaints to institutions and bodies of the international journalistic community, in order to condemn the unacceptable attitude that Turkey consistently maintains towards independent journalism.