The Rebirth Party (YDP) has condemned the physical attack on Özgür Gazete Editor-in-Chief Pınar Barut and the threats directed at other journalists following the verdict hearing of a fake diploma case at the Nicosia Assize Court.
The case involves Fatma Ünal, former chairwoman of the National Unity Party's (UBP) Kyrenia Women's Branch, who was on trial over allegations related to a forged diploma. After the hearing, Barut and other members of the press were subjected to physical assault, verbal threats, and insults.
In a written statement, YDP said: "Journalists perform their duties in the public interest and are not the appropriate target for reactions to court rulings. A physical assault on a journalist while carrying out their work is an unacceptable interference not only against that individual, but against press freedom and the public's right to information."
The party also expressed support for demands raised by press organisations during a demonstration held outside the Nicosia Police Headquarters on the same day, calling for safe working conditions for journalists. YDP urged authorities to conduct a full investigation, review available footage and witness accounts, identify those responsible, and take the necessary legal action without delay.
The statement concluded with a get-well message to Pınar Barut and an expression of solidarity with all media workers who have faced verbal or physical attacks while on duty.
