JINHA

RIHA – Turkey has deported four international journalists based on the allegation that they entered Turkey illegally at Mürşitpınar, across the border from Kobanê.

According to a report by news website Bianet, four journalists arrested on June 18 in Turkey have been deported. Giuseppe Acconcia of Italy's Il Manifesto and Samuel Forey of France's Le Figaro were deported on June 20 based on the allegation that they entered Turkey illegally. Two journalists from RAI in Italy were also deported.

Philippe Gelie, Le Figaro's assistant managing editor, told AFP that journalist Samuel Forey was left with no option but to cross the border illegally in order to report on the taking of the city of Tel Abyad from ISIS. Samuel was only able to send his report from the military station. Reporters Without Borders have also received word from Giuseppe Acconcia that he was among those arrested and has been deported.

While Turkey has deported foreign journalists for this offense, journalists from Turkey who are alleged to have illegally crossed the border are routinely issued a 3,000 lira ($1,125) fine without any opportunity for a trial. Because the payment is listed in their arrest records, the fine also presents security hazards for such journalists.

(gc/cm)