NEWS CENTER - PEN Germany Center has declared imprisoned journalist and writer Ahmet Altan an honorary member. Jailed for 1,138 days, Altan was released on November 4, to be arrested again a week later on November 13.
PEN Germany Center released a press statement yesterday (November 19) and announced that they have declared jailed journalist and novelist Ahmet Altan an honorary member.
Referring to the re-arrest of Ahmet Altan, PEN Germany Vice Chair and Imprisoned Writers Director Ralf Nestmeyer has said, "This Turkish judicial arbitrariness is only politically motivated; it contradicts any rule of law and reveals the despotic character of the Turkish regime."
Underlining that "with the imprisonment of Altan, one of the most well-known critical voices has been silenced", Nestmeyer has continued as follows:
"Today, PEN Germany Center declares author Ahmet Altan an honorary member and solidarizes with him.
"We urge the relevant Turkish authorities to immediately and unconditionally release our honorary member Ahmet Altan from prison.
"His continued detention is solely political and, therefore, it is neither acceptable nor justified. His conviction contradicts the right to freedom of expression and, thus, the Charter of PEN International."