Turkish union complains to Israel about AA staff treatment
AA journalists singled out to remove trousers while passing through X-Ray machine at Jerusalem press reception.
ANKARA
A union representing Turkish journalists says it has sent a letter of complaint to Israel's prime minister condemning the discriminatory treatment of Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondents at a Jerusalem press reception.
In Monday's letter, Media Workers Union Chairman Gursel Eser urged Israeli officials to abstain from practices which violate press freedom.
AA photojournalist Salih Zeki Fazlioglu and Jerusalem correspondent Taner Aydin were asked to remove their trousers while passing through an X-Ray machine after arriving at Thursday's event hosted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Fazlioglu was also asked to submit to a below-waist hand search.
He was told they had been singled out as those carrying Turkish passports face additional security searches due to Israel considering people from Turkey a "high threat" to its security.
Anadolu Agency Director General and Board Chairman Kemal Ozturk has also sent a letter to Netanyahu condemning the treatment of the two journalists.
Ozturk stressed the irony of Israel's actions, considering that the event is organized in honor of international journalists.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
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