Turkey’s Dissent Crackdown. Turkish police detained 110 people for alleged links to militants. Security sources. Along with a pro-Kurdish lawmaker. said on Tuesday that those arrested in the raids included politicians, lawyers. And journalists linked to the May 14 elections.

Security sources told news agency Reuters that the operation took place in Diyarbakır. The largest city in predominantly Kurdish southeast Turkey. Turkey’s Dissent Crackdown. Targeting people believed to be members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). ) is accused of belonging to a militant group.

The operation comes less than three weeks before presidential and parliamentary elections. The biggest electoral challenge to President Tayyip Erdogan since his party came to power in 2002.

People’s Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Tayeb Temel said on Twitter. That “Fearful of losing power at the polls. they have again resorted to detention operations.” He said that tens of politicians. including leading members of his party, journalists, artists. and lawyers have been arrested in Diyarbakir on Tuesday morning.

The arrests of journalists further restrict freedom of the press. an essential pillar of democracy. Journalists play a crucial role in holding. those in power accountable and providing citizens with access to reliable information. The targeting of journalists sends a chilling message to the media community. and instills fear among journalists who are striving to report objectively and without bias.

Turkey has faced criticism in the past for its deteriorating human rights record. and this recent crackdown only exacerbates those concerns. The international community continues to urge Turkish authorities to uphold the principles of democracy. respect human rights, and allow for the free expression of diverse opinions.

The arrests highlight the need for continued vigilance in protecting and promoting fundamental freedoms and democratic values. It is crucial for governments, civil society organizations, and individuals worldwide to speak out.