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 Agenda: No let-up in judicial pressure or threats against journalists

In the 3rd quarter of 2024, courts heard 70 cases against 89 journalists and 1 newspaper. 11 journalists were sentenced; 9 new cases were filed against 10 journalists; 4 journalists were jailed

Journalist Sinan Aygül’s 14-year-long trial adjourned once again

In a statement to P24, Aygül said, “This trial is a prime example of judicial harassment, it hangs constantly over our heads like the sword of Damocles”

Journalist Evren Demirdaş faces investigation for "disinformation"

An investigation has been launched against journalist Evren Demirdaş on suspicion of “spreading false information” and “fabricating a crime” over his reporting on pro-AKP businessperson Veysel Demirci

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 473

Naci Sapan fined for “insulting” trustee; Court of Cassation approves imprisonment sentence for Ferhat Tunç; indictments against journalists under house arrest accepted

Journalist Naci Sapan fined for "insulting" trustee

Sapan ordered to pay an administrative fine worth 135 days over his article “Trustees, little trustees" which he wrote when the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality was under trustee administration

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 472

“Agents of influence” bill passed in parliamentary commission; access to social media restricted after attack on TUSAŞ; 119 social media accounts, including news websites and journalists blocked

Journalist Oktay Candemir to stand trial on charge of "insult"

Candemir to stand trial over his social media post about AKP MP Osman Gökçek

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 471

Açık Radyo shuttered; 3 journalists detained in Şırnak during news coverage; Şebnem Korur Fincancı sentenced to pay non-pecuniary damages; Ahmet Erkan Yiğitsözlü given jail term

JOINT STATEMENT: Reverse the decision to revoke Açık Radyo’s broadcasting license

Sixty-one rights organizations including P24, have issued a joint statement condemning the official revocation of the terrestrial broadcasting license of independent radio station Açık Radyo

Criminal complaint against police violence during rally in Diyarbakır

A press statement was held at the Human Rights Association Diyarbakır Branch regarding the ill-treatment of journalists by law enforcement officers during the “Özgürlük Mitingi"

Top