We received the following letter from the Secretary General of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) RICARDO GUTIERREZ, which we bring to the attention of all Bulgarian journalistsл UBJ is a collective member of EFJ as well as IFJ (International Federation of Journalists).

Dear EFJ affiliates,

The powerful earthquake that struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria on 6 February has so far claimed at least 41,000 lives, with thousands still missing. Millions of people are living in makeshift camps and require humanitarian aid.

Trade unions in Turkey are playing an important role in response to the crisis and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) is now supporting the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (Turkiye Gazeteciler Sendikasi, TGS) in their lifesaving work, with a solidarity appeal to support the families of journalists affected by the disaster.

“In coordination with the EFJ Vice-President Mustafa Kuleli, we are urging all our affiliates in Europe to give what they can to help our colleagues in TGS respond to this disaster," said EFJ President Maja Sever. "I ask our members to show their generosity by donating to the solidarity fund created by TGS to help the families of journalists affected by the earthquake".

EFJ affiliates can make donations to:

Bank: TURKIYE IS BANKASI AS - ISBANKASI
Bank Address: Cagaloglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Account Holder: TURKIYEGAZETECILERSENDIKASI
Account Number: 1095- 3307295
IBAN: TR15 0006 4000 0021 0953 3072 95
BIC/Swift Code: ISBKTRIS
Reference to be mentioned: "SOLIDARITY FUND"

Please make your payment as soon as possible. Your support is needed urgently, so the sooner TGS will receive donations, the sooner they will reach journalists in need of support.

Thank you in advance for your solidarity.

Kind regards,

Ricardo Gutieerrez, General Secretary of EFJ