WITCH HUNTS AGAINST THE PRESS

"Turkish police arrest 23 in police raids against opposition media" -Constanze Lescht

SUMMARY

• 23 Turkish journalists arrested Dec. 14, 2014
• False charges of terrorism
• Accused of planning a coup with dissenter Fethullah Gülen
• An attempt to silnce critics of President Erdogan's regime
• Condemned by media worldwide

Why did I pick this article?
It's simple: free speech is one of the intrinsic rights that people have. Americans do not experience it at home, so we may be inclined to forget that many countries limit journalism and media, restricting the free speech of their citizens.

President Erdogan has violated these journalists' rights to free speech and a trial. By using false charges to arrest them, he has further corrupted the Turkish justice system.

What theme connects this article to The Crucible?

Political or religious "witch hunts" are used by those in power to get what they want.

HOW IS THIS RELATED TO THE CRUCIBLE?

• The journalists stand in the way of Erdogan's complete control of Turkey.
• This is similar to how various Salem villagers stood in the way of
• Abigail, Parris, and Putnam's desires.
• The characters of The Crucible and President Erdogan lie and twist
• The justice system to achieve their goals.