Expression Interrupted

Journalists and academics bear the brunt of the massive crackdown on freedom of expression in Turkey. Scores of them are currently subject to criminal investigations or behind bars. This website is dedicated to tracking the legal process against them.

Four contributors of now-defunct Zaman newspaper given prison term

In Zaman daily retrial, court sentenced former contributors Mümtazer Türköne, Şahin Alpay, Ali Bulaç and Ahmet Turan Alkan to 11 years and 3 months combined in jail for “aiding terrorist organization"

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey - 373

Conviction demanded for Şebnem Korur Fincancı; Mehmet Emin Kurnaz given prison term; Supreme Court of Appeals overturns Büyükada case on merits; appellate court overturns acquittal rulings in Redhack

Journalists Aziz Oruç and Dicle Müftüoğlu to stand trial in January

The trial of six people including journalists Aziz Oruç and Dicle Müftüoğlu has been adjourned until 18 January 2023

Journalist Cihan Ölmez’s trial adjourned until May 2023

An İstanbul court has ruled to await the execution of the order for journalist Cihan Ölmez’s arrest, and adjourned the trial until 2 May 2023

Journalists Ferhat Çelik and İdris Yayla appear before judge

Çelik and Yayla denied charges pressed against them over their news item and requested their acquittal. The trial was adjourned until 31 January.

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey - 372

Social media restricted, broadcast ban imposed after deadly bomb attack in İstanbul; Beritan Canözer given prison term; Cypriot journalist Başaran Düzgün denied entry to Turkey

Prosecution requests conviction for journalist Eren Tutel

Arguing that Eren Tutel had committed crime of “insulting a public official,” prosecutor has requested sentencing for two counts of impugned crime

Freedom of Expression and the Press Agenda: Journalism in the grip of trials and attacks

In the 3rd quarter of 2022, 73 journalists appeared before courts in 51 cases. 11 journalists were sentenced to more than 30 years in prison; only 5 acquitted

Journalist Beritan Canözer given prison term

The court has sentenced Canözer to separate imprisonment sentences of 1 year 10 months and 15 days, and 1 year and 3 monthson two counts of “terrorism propaganda” over her social media posts

Journalist Engin Eren’s trial adjourned

Once more, there has been no ruling in trial of 32 people, including former reporter Engin Eren of shuttered DİHA. The trial was adjourned until 30 November 2022

Top