Statement of Support for Local Press from the Journalists' Union of Turkey Izmir Branch
The TGS Izmir Branch reacted to the smear campaigns targeting Gündem Fethiye newspaper and its reporter Hülya Çetinkaya, who reported on the cement factory process.
The Journalists' Union of Turkey Izmir Branch issued an official statement against the efforts to target and the smear campaigns directed at Gündem Fethiye newspaper and its reporter Hülya Çetinkaya, who reported on the cement factory process in Muğla.
Cement Factory Process
The struggle of villagers and citizens continues against the cement factory project planned to be established on the common border of Deştin Neighborhood in Muğla's Yatağan district and Bayır Neighborhood in Menteşe district. Developments during this process are closely followed by the local press.
Detail in the Expert Report
Hülya Çetinkaya, a reporter for Gündem Fethiye, uncovered a striking detail in the digital imprint of the expert report prepared in the lawsuit filed by the Metropolitan Municipality. It was determined that the report included the name of Remzi Seyfioğlu, the author of Annex-13 of the project's EIA Report, upon which the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change based its defense.
Targeting and Pressures
Following the published news, Gündem Fethiye became the target of two media outlets that targeted citizens criticizing the factory and Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras. Subsequently, the Fethiye City Council, which shared supportive posts regarding this process, was also attempted to be targeted.
Legal Process Initiated
Following the incidents, baseless claims, and threats against press workers, Gündem Fethiye newspaper carried the situation to the judiciary. The newspaper filed an official criminal complaint regarding the matter to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Reaction from TGS Izmir Branch
Upon these developments, the Journalists' Union of Turkey Izmir Branch made a written statement on September 29, 2026. The statement emphasized that targeting a journalist because of their news is unacceptable.