Since the arrest of Ekrem İmamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul and Erdogan's main rival on 19 March 2025, the crackdown on journalists and the media has intensified. Arbitrary arrests, physical violence and restrictions on freedom of the press have become commonplace as a new chapter in Turkïye's history unfolds.
Ten journalists were arrested in Istanbul and Izmir. Turkish outlets have been arbitrarily sanctioned with penalties ranging from fines to broadcasting bans by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), which is dominated by supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan who are strengthening the government’s control over the news. The Turkish authorities expelled BBC correspondent Mark Lowen, accusing him of being a “threat to public order”.
RSF calls for an immediate end to the violence and harassment against journalists in Turkïye and around the globe.
Access to free and reliable information is an increasingly fragile right that must be defended worldwidet.
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