“Journalism is not a crime. The voice of every journalist who writes the truth is the collective voice of society. We will continue to strengthen solidarity against oppression and censorship,” said the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association.
The Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (MKG) released its report on human rights violations in April 2025. According to the report, two female journalists were detained last month, while nine female journalists remain in prison.
The MKG report emphasized that female journalists are subject to “double pressure” and stated: “News reports in the public interest are being criminalized, and the right to information is being suppressed through repressive policies. Journalists in prison are facing isolation, barriers to accessing healthcare, and communication restrictions. This situation stands as a dark stain on Turkey's record of freedom of expression and press freedom.”
The association stated that, in addition to physical pressure, access restrictions and content removal of content on digital media have intensified.
Violations in April
Two female journalists were detained.
Four journalists were summoned to the prosecutor's office to give statements.
Two journalists were mistreated.
Two journalists were prevented from reporting.
Seven jailed journalists were subjected to human rights violations in prison.
New cases were brought against three journalists.
Two journalists were sentenced to a total of 3 years and 4 months in prison.
17 journalists are still on trial in 11 separate cases.
Nine female journalists remain in prison.
Two journalists had their social media accounts closed.
MKG called on international organizations to fulfill their obligations and act independently of the judiciary, stating: “Journalism is not a crime. The voice of every journalist who writes the truth is the collective voice of society. We will continue to strengthen solidarity against oppression and censorship.”
