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MAYOR MANDALİNCİ HONORS JOURNALISTS ON PRESS FREEDOM DAY
24.07.2025
On the occasion of July 24, celebrated in Türkiye as Press Freedom Day and the anniversary of the abolition of press censorship, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci released a message underlining the vital role of a free press in protecting democracy and public truth.
Mayor Mandalinci opened his remarks by reflecting on the significance of the day, which also coincides with the anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, marking the international recognition of the modern Turkish Republic’s borders.
“Whether we call it Press Freedom Day, the Anniversary of the Abolition of Censorship, or Journalists' Day, July 24 is a crucial date for our country”, Mandalinci said. “One event symbolizes our nation’s territorial sovereignty, the other, our freedom of thought and expression.”
Recalling the historic lifting of censorship in 1908 as a revolutionary step, Mayor Mandalinci noted that despite more than a century having passed, the fundamental right to an uncensored press has yet to be fully realized in practice.
Citing Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words, “The press is the shared voice of the nation”, he emphasized the enduring need for journalists to work free of pressure, enabling citizens to access accurate, independent information.
“Press freedom guarantees not only journalists’ ability to do their jobs, but also the public’s right to the truth. I extend my respect to all journalists who pursue truth, stand up to pressure and wield their pens in service of justice.”
Mayor Mandalinci concluded by reiterating his full support for press workers in their ongoing struggle for freedom and transparency:
“I stand with every journalist until the day when freedom can once again be celebrated as a true holiday.”
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