Newsroom
The Union of Cyprus Journalists (UCJ) has raised alarm over death threats made against journalist Aysemden Akin, editor-in-chief of the online newspaper Bugun Kibris, following her investigative reporting into corruption and criminal networks tied to occupied Cyprus and Turkey.
In a public statement, the UCJ expressed “grave concern” for Akin’s safety and urged national and international press freedom advocates to stand in solidarity with her. Akin’s recent reporting has focused on alleged ties between high-level officials and organized crime, particularly in a series titled “Halil Falyali Lives.”
The threats emerged after Akin received a 27-minute phone call from a woman using a Turkish number, warning that three men had been sent to target her. The caller claimed to be acting in Akin’s interest but insisted she would be killed if she did not cease her reporting. Akin filed a police report and submitted a recording of the call but affirmed her commitment to continue her work.
“I will not step back in the face of these threats aimed at press freedom and the public’s right to know the truth,” she said.
The threats coincide with the killing of Akin’s source, Cemil Onal, in the Netherlands. Onal, who managed finances for slain gambling figure Halil Falyali, was shot and killed on May 1 at Hotel Hoevevoorde in Leidschendam. Dutch authorities described the incident as a calculated assassination and have launched a full investigation.
Onal, who had fled to the Netherlands after becoming a suspect in Falyali-related investigations, had recently cooperated with Dutch and U.S. intelligence agencies. Despite Turkey’s extradition request, he was not returned and was released after giving a 120-page statement to authorities.
The UCJ and the Turkish Cypriot press union have condemned both the threats and the killing, calling them part of a broader effort to silence investigative journalists on the island.
*With information from Cyprus Mirror and CNA.
