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.

Aram Publishing Hoouse case adjourned until April

The trial of Aram Publishing House owner Hakkı Boltan and his employee Delil Zengeralp, who are charged with “terrorism propaganda,” was postponed until 14 April after the prosecutor requested time

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 537

Elif Akgül acquitted; Furkan Karabay released on house arrest; top court rules for rights violation in Karafazlı’s case

Journalist Elif Akgül acquitted in case that kept her in detention for over three months

Akgül was prosecuted on the basis of her attendance at HDK meetings in 2011 and 2012, as well as her reporting activities carried out in a professional capacity

International travel bans not lifted in the trial of 19 journalists

The trial of journalists charged with “membership in a terrorist organization” and “terrorism propaganda” in Diyarbakır has been adjourned until 9 April

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 536

Academic released after 190 days in prison; Welat Agency reporter detained while covering protest in Şırnak; Yeniçağ editor detained over social media post about drug operation

Trial of İsmail Arı adjourned until September

Arı is being tried on charges of “insult” and “defamation” following a complaint by Levent Uysal, MHP Mersin Deputy and founder of the Nişantaşı Education Foundation

Trial of journalist Can Uğur adjourned

Uğur's trial, in which he is charged with “spreading false information” following a complaint by the Ministry of National Education, has been adjourned until 17 September

Prosecutor demands sentencing for journalist Arapkirli

The prosecutor has argued that the posts in question “exceeded the limits of the right to criticism and freedom of expression” and demanded that the journalist be punished

Court lifts international travel ban in trial of 5 journalists

The court has issued a warrant for the compulsory attendance of the plaintiff “expert S.B.” who failed to appear at the hearing. The case was postponed until 13 February

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 535

Prosecutors launch money laundering probe into Ekol TV; journalists acquitted of “spreading false information;” Perihan Kaya given jail term; prosecutor demands sentencing for five journalists

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