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.

JOINT STATEMENT: Repeal "disinformation" law and release journalists jailed under it

The undersigned press freedom, freedom of expression, journalists’ and human rights organisations strongly condemn the intensifying use of Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 549

Şanlıurfa journalist imprisoned over deleted social media post; Council of State overturns fine imposed by RTÜK on NOW TV; two journalists given prison term in two cases

Prosecutor demands sentencing for Tuğçe Yılmaz

Yılmaz is on trial on charges of “publicly denigrating the Republic of Turkey” over a news article titled "Armenian youths speak up: A 109-year-long mourning​​​​​​​"

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 548

Ender İmrek acquitted of “membership in a terrorist organization”; journalists barred from attending the first hearing in Cihan Berk’s trial; prosecutors demand sentencing for two journalists in two c

Timur Soykan appears in court over social media posts

Soykan, who is on trial over social media posts criticizing operations targeting CHP-run municipalities, remains subject to international travel ban. The trial has been postponed until 16 June

Journalists barred from attending the first hearing in PİRHA reporter Cihan Berk’s trial

The court has ruled to continue the detention of Berk, who has been in prison since 19 December, and adjourned the case until 3 June

Trial of Berivan Kutlu adjourned

Trial of journalist Berivan Kutlu, who is being prosecuted over her social media posts regarding the Maraş earthquakes, has been postponed because the prosecutor’s opinion has not yet been finalized

Aram Publishing House case adjourned

In the trial in which Hakkı Boltan, owner of Aram Publishing House, and his employee Delil Zengeralp are facing the charges of “terrorism propaganda,” the prosecutor has requested an extension

Three journalists sentenced to prison

The court, which has acquitted journalist Şule Aydın of all charges, has sentenced Barış Pehlivan and Murat Ağırel to 1 year and 3 months in prison, and Timur Soykan to 10 months in prison

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 547

Altan Sancar acquitted of “spreading false information”; investigation launched against Bahadır Özgür over a news story from four years ago; prosecutor demands sentencing in trial of three journalists

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