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.

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 538

Sedef Kabaş detained over social media posts; prosecutor demands sentencing in retrial of Ahmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak; Osman Akın acquitted of “terrorism propaganda”

Prosecutor to draft their final opinion on the case in trial of Berivan Kutlu

The court has granted time to the prosecutor’s office for the preparation of the final opinion on the case in the trial of journalist Kutlu, who is prosecuted over her social media posts

Prosecutor demands sentencing in retrial of Ahmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak

Following the Court of Cassation's decision to overturn prison sentences handed down to Altan and Ilıcak, the prosecutor presented their final opinion on the case in the retrial and requested sentence

Aram Publishing House 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

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