Five Turkish Journalists Sentenced in Coup-Related Retrial Amid Press Freedom Concerns

January 23, 2025 – Turkey – 

A Turkish court sentenced five journalists to prison following a retrial related to alleged links with the exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup. The verdict, issued by the 25th Istanbul Court of Serious Crimes, reignites concerns over judicial independence and the ongoing criminalization of journalism in Turkey.

The journalists were originally arrested in 2016 during the sweeping purge that followed the coup attempt. They were convicted in 2018 on terrorism-related charges, accused of supporting a terrorist organization through their reporting and affiliations. Though released on appeal in 2020, the retrial reinstated their convictions in 2025. One defendant was acquitted, but the others received prison sentences—reportedly ranging from 6 to 8 years.

Press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Stockholm Center for Freedom, condemned the verdict as politically motivated. They argue that the evidence presented in the trial was largely based on the journalists’ writings, social media activity, and employment at media outlets allegedly linked to the Gülen movement—none of which constitutes acts of terrorism under international standards.

The case reflects Turkey’s broader pattern of using vague anti-terrorism laws to silence dissent. Since 2016, thousands of journalists, academics, and civil servants have been detained or dismissed under suspicion of Gülenist ties. The country remains one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists, according to CPJ.

Legal experts have criticized the retrial process, noting that it often repeats previous charges without introducing new evidence, undermining the integrity of the judicial system. Critics say such retrials are designed to maintain political pressure on dissidents and prolong legal uncertainty.

The convicted journalists are expected to appeal once again, but advocacy groups warn that unless Turkey reforms its judicial and legal systems, these types of prosecutions will continue to threaten press freedom. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in environments where dissent is equated with criminality, and truth-telling becomes a target.

Reference – 

Turkish court hands down prison sentences to journalists in retrial due to Gülen links

5 Turkish journalists sentenced to prison on coup-related charges in retrial