UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova is concerned over measures directed against journalists and editors.

“On the right to freedom of expression, the Director-General is aware, at the present moment, of the arrests and warrants for arrest of 42 journalists, cancellation of licenses of 24 broadcasters, decertification of another 25 media houses and blocking of website.

While Turkey is in a declared state of emergency, the role of a free press is fundamental for establishing transparency and accountability on the situation in the country at this critical moment”, UNESCO reported.