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December 29, 2025 – Turkey –
A Turkish court has ordered the temporary release of journalist Eren Erdem pending appeal in a high-profile criminal case stemming from comments he made about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking a significant procedural development after months of legal uncertainty and detention. The decision, issued on December 30, 2025, comes as legal advocates and press freedom organisations intensify scrutiny over laws used to prosecute journalists for speech related to political leaders. (ABC News; JournalismPakistan; Stockholm Center for Freedom)
Erdem, a veteran Turkish reporter and commentator known for critical reporting on government policies, was convicted earlier in 2025 under provisions of the Turkish penal code that criminalise “insulting the president” and similar charges relating to alleged threats against state officials. His conviction, and the preceding months in pre-trial detention, had drawn concern from press freedom advocates who argue that such statutes are routinely misused to target dissenting voices and chill independent journalism. (ABC News; JournalismPakistan)
On Tuesday, an appeals court in Ankara granted Erdem’s request for release pending the resolution of his appeal, citing procedural considerations and a reassessment of risk factors associated with his continued detention. The judge ordered that Erdem remain free while the appeals process continues, but under certain judicial supervision conditions that may include reporting requirements to local authorities and restrictions on public commentary until the appeal is finalised. (Stockholm Center for Freedom)
Supporters of Erdem welcomed the decision, describing it as an important interim victory for due process and media freedom in Turkey. His legal team argued that continued incarceration while an appeal is pending violates constitutional and international norms regarding fair trial rights and the presumption of innocence. They expressed hope that the appeals court will ultimately overturn the conviction and dismiss charges tied to political speech. (ABC News; JournalismPakistan)
Press freedom organisations, including the Stockholm Center for Freedom and other watchdogs, have repeatedly criticised the use of “insult” and “threat” provisions to prosecute journalists, academics, and social commentators in Turkey. They contend that broad and vague legal standards facilitate arbitrary enforcement, create a climate of self-censorship, and damage Turkey’s reputation on media freedom indices. (Stockholm Center for Freedom)
Erdem’s case is among several in recent years where Turkish authorities have pursued legal action against media professionals for statements perceived as critical of senior political figures. While the appeal process is expected to take several months or longer, his release pending appeal has been framed by advocates as a positive step toward safeguarding freedom of expression and reinforcing the principle that criminal punishment should not be imposed for political critique or commentary.
Reference –
https://www.journalismpakistan.com/court-orders-release-of-turkish-journalist-pending-appeal
Turkish appeals court releases journalist convicted of threatening Erdoğan
