Turkey: Ten years of state hostility towards the press under President Erdoğan
Five journalists killed, 131 imprisoned, 77 convicted of “insulting the president” and hundreds prosecuted for their work – RSF presents its damning assessment of President Erdogan’s 10 years in office.
Turkey: Freedom of the press and expression groups condemn broadcast regulator’s silencing of Açık Radyo
Radio license revoked following on-air ‘Armenian Genocide’ remarks.
EU must do more to prioritise protecting media freedom and human rights in Türkiye
Media freedom, human rights and journalists’ groups urge European governments and policy makers to ensure media freedoms and fundamental rights are placed at the heart of future relations with Türkiye.
Turkey: Eight Kurdish journalists sentenced to six years in prison
The eight journalists were convicted on charges of membership in a terrorist organization as part of a mass trial of 11 journalists employed by the pro-Kurdish outlets Mezopotamya News Agency and JİNNEWS.
Syrian journalists threatened with arrest and deportation by neighbouring states
“If sent back to Syria, one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, they risk imminent arrest and even death.” – RSF
Turkey: Human rights report shows increasing torture against Kurds and LGBTQI+
In 2023, the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey received 781 reports of torture or ill-treatment. There was a spike in reports in June and July, correlating with increased police interventions during Pride Week events.
Turkey: In the first quarter of 2024, at least 210 press workers stood trial
The most common accusations faced by journalists on trial were ‘insult’ and ‘terrorism’ related charges.
Turkey: Court reverses journalist Sinan Aygül’s conviction for ‘spreading disinformation’
The Court of Cassation has overturned a 10-month prison sentence handed down to journalist Sinan Aygül in March 2023 on “spreading disinformation” charges.
Istanbul police obstruct, tear gas, shoot at reporters during May Day march
“Police are legally obligated to protect field reporters, not obstruct them from performing their duty, but Turkish police routinely do the opposite” – CPJ
Turkey: Big tech platforms should protect online expression ahead of municipal elections
“As important country-wide local elections loom, the Turkish authorities are once again intensifying efforts to control social media platforms through use of the restrictive internet law, demanding the blocking of content critical of the government.”
Turkish authorities must thoroughly investigate shooting of journalist Azim Deniz
“Impunity in violence against journalists inevitably results in even more violence and a less informed public everywhere, every time. It’s never too late to improve Turkey’s impunity track record for crimes committed against the news media” – CPJ
Turkish journalist arrested for reporting on corruption trial of judiciary members
Furkan Karabay was jailed pending trial on the suspicion of “making targets of those who were tasked to combat terrorism” and defamation.
International mission finds that Turkey’s press freedom crisis has deepened
Journalists continue to face harassment, arbitrary imprisonment and prosecution. Those responsible for attacks and threats against the press enjoy alarming levels of impunity.
Free expression groups condemn fifth imprisonment order against journalist Barış Pehlivan
Pehlivan was told to turn himself over to the Marmara Low Security Correctional Institution between August 1-15, 2023. He has already been incarcerated four times for his journalism.