The Antonio Zumel Center for Press Freedom joins other concerned
journalists and citizens in expressing strong concern in the case of
Turkish journalist Necati Abay who was sentenced to 18 years and nine
months.

Mr. Abay is a journalist working for the Atilim, an opposition newspaper and is spokesperson of the Solidarity Platform of the Imprisoned Journalists.

Clearly, the accusation against him and his eventual conviction are politically-motivated. The conviction of Mr. Abay on politically motivated charges, sends a chilling signal to other outspoken journalists and threatens the full exercise of their profession, the fundamental right to freedom, and the people's right to know.

We join the call from concerned groups in the European Union and other countries for the government of Turkey to retract the sentence of Mr. Necati Abay, to restore his freedom, and respect the right of journalists in the practice of their profession.

We join Turkish and other journalists from all over the world, in expressing strong condemnation for the unjust sentence imposed on Mr. Abay and in upholding the freedom of expression and information.