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.

ANALYSIS: Prosecutors return to criminal courts of first instance

The participation of public prosecutors in proceedings before criminal courts of first instance after nine years of absence is not a novelty; it cannot be considered a reform

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey - 261

Dozens arrested in operation targeting social media movement; Mümtazer Türköne released; indictment issued against Müyesser Yıldız and İsmail Dükel; sentences in Özgür Gündem solidarity trial upheld

Trial of local journalists in Antalya adjourned until January

Court rules to send the file to the prosecutor and sets 12 January 2021 as the date for the next hearing

ANALYSIS Government’s censorship tools: RTÜK and BİK penalties

Penalties imposed on opposition media outlets not only restrict the right to information enshrined in the Constitution, but also cause the sanctioned media outlets extreme financial trouble

Journalist Zehra Özdilek acquitted

Özdilek was charged with “making those involved in the fight against terrorism a target” in an interview published in Cumhuriyet daily

İsminaz Temel and Havva Cuştan’s trial adjourned 

Refusing to lift the international travel ban imposed on the defendants, the presiding judge said judges who previously lifted travel bans in “terrorism” cases faced investigations

Court rules to keep journalist Aziz Oruç behind bars

Ruling to lift the judicial control measures imposed on the undetained defendants, the court adjourned the trial until 9 November 

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey – 260

Giving precedence to the MİT trucks case, court begins process to seize Can Dündar’s personal assets in Turkey; journalists Canan Coşkun and Can Uğur appear before court; RTÜK fines 4 TV channels

ANALYSIS | Demirtaş Case as a story of judicial harassment

The case represents a clear and concrete proof that even with a decision from the highest court ordering your release, you will not be given your freedom back unless the political authority allows it

Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey - 259

Ahmet Altan spends 4 years behind bars; five journalists sentenced for “exposing” MİT operative; Müyesser Yıldız ordered to pay TL 20,000 in compensation; Oktay Candemir arrested over Twitter post

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