FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Latest News

• Dicle Fırat Journalists Association releases press freedom violations report 

  While more than 100 journalists appeared before the judge in March, journalists were sentenced in various cases.
• HDP commemorates murdered journalists 

  The HDP paid tribute to murdered journalists in a statement saying: “We stand by journalists who defend the interests of the people, not the government.”
• Turkey blocks access to JinNews agency again 

  Internet access to JinNews agency blocked once again.
• CFWIJ demands immediate release of journalist Beritan Özer 

  “We urge Turkish authorities to end the attacks against reporters. Journalism is not a crime,” said a statement published by CFWIJ on Monday.
• Police detain Jinnews journalist Beritan Canözer 

  Jinnews journali Beritan Canözer was taken during this morning' police political operation in Amed.
• CFWIJ demands acquittal of journalists released from prison in Van today 

  CFWIJ welcomes the release of journalists who were imprisoned after reporting on a torture case against two civilians in the countryside of the Van province, stressing that, "Journalism is not a crime!”
• “Helicopter torture” case: four journalists released from prison 

  In the trial over the reporting of the "helicopter torture" of two Kurdish civilians, the court in Van has lifted the arrest warrants against four accused journalists. The trial will be continued in July.
• First hearing against 5 journalists arrested for 'helicopter torture news' opens in Van 

  The first hearing of the case opened against 5 journalists, 4 of whom in prison, opened in Van. Only four journalists were allowed into the hall to follow the hearing.
• Prosecutor takes action for longer prison sentences in Özgür Gündem trial 

  Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor found the sentences given to journalists in the Özgür Gündem main trial insufficient.
• Van Democracy Platform calls for the release of 4 journalists before tomorrow’s hearing 

  Van Democracy Platform released a statement before the hearing of the journalists who were jailed for reporting the “helicopter torture” in Van province.
• Behdinan activists have been on hunger strike for 41 days 

  Five journalists and activists, who were sentenced to six years in prison by a Hewlêr court on 16 February, have been on hunger strike for 41 days. Officials prevent lawyers from meeting the activists.
• Journalists call for support for jailed colleagues before the hearing on April 2 

  Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and Mesopotamia Women Journalists’ Platform (MKGP) called for attendance in the first hearing of a trial against 5 journalists, 4 of whom are jailed, to be held on April 2 in Van.
• IPI to European Union: Prioritize press freedom in Turkey 

  International Press Institute has addressed an open letter to the President of the European Council ahead of EU leaders’ meeting this week and called on the European Council to prioritize press freedom in Turkey.
• 80 journalists and media employees behind bars in Turkey 

  At least 80 journalists and media employees are currently in prison in Turkey, according to the media rights organization MLSA. The IFJ describes the country ruled by Erdoğan as the "largest jailer of journalists in the world".
• Journalist Zekeriya Güzüpek taken into custody 

  The Turkish regime’s repression against the free press continues.
• NuJINHA reporter receives award for her work on women's struggle in Tunisia 

  NuJINHA reporter Zihur Al-Mashreqi was awarded by the Tunisia International Center for Strategic Studies.
• Mezopotamya Agency journalists Topaloğlu and Eser appear in court 

  The hearing of the trial against Mezopotamya Agency reporter Sadık Topaloğlu and journalist Sadiye Eser, accused of being "members of an illegal organization", was held.
• Journalist Evren's hearing adjourned 

  In the hearing of the trial of journalist Kibriye Evren, witness Veysi Sonsuz said that he did not have any testimony to make contrary to his statement in the indictment.
• Chant a slogan for me too, says journalist Pınar Gayıp from house arrest 

  Istanbul journalist Pınar Gayıp is under house arrest and won’t be able to take part in the 8 March celebrations. She appeals to other women: "Take to the streets for your rights and your life!"
• Freedom of press in Turkey: 72 journalists appeared in court in February 

  The Dicle Firat Association of Journalists stressed that journalistic activities would continue with the motto "Free press, free society" against oppression.
• Two hearings of Özgür Gündem newspaper adjourned 

  The hearings in two trials of the opposition Özgür Gündem Newspaper were held at Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The next hearings in both trials were postponed to 13 July.
• Facebook silenced Syrian Kurdish fighters in 2018 

  ProPublica reported that Turkey demanded the social media giant Facebook to block posts from the People’s Protection Units (YPG).
• New indictment against journalist Sherwan Sherwani jailed in South Kurdistan 

  A new indictment has been filed against journalist Sherwan Sherwani, who has been imprisoned in southern Kurdistan. The Asayish of Hewlêr accuses him of defamation.
• Amnesty International calls for the release of five journalists in Kurdistan Region 

  Reactions are growing to the latest arrest of 5 journalists and activists from Behdinan by the KDP which already holds nearly 50 journalists behind bars in southern Kurdistan, northern Iraq.
• Prosecutor demands up to 20 years imprisonment for Kurdish journalist Gök 

  Another Kurdish journalist, Abdurrahman Gök, is on trial on pretentious terrorist charges. The reporter, who documented the murder of student Kemal Kurkut by a police officer in Amed in 2017, faces up to 20 years in prison.