Court releases 7 journalists arrested for protesting colleagues’ deaths in Turkish drone strike

January 31, 2025 – Turkey – 

Turkish authorities detained several journalists who were covering or protesting government actions, raising serious concerns over media freedom in the country. While courts have since ordered their release, the incidents reflect growing pressure on both domestic and international journalists.

Seven journalists were arrested while participating in a banned demonstration in Istanbul. The protest was organized in response to the deaths of Kurdish journalists Nazîm Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin, who were killed by a Turkish drone strike in Northern Syria near the Tishrin Dam. Authorities accused the journalists of violating public order regulations. A total of nine people were arrested during the protest, with nearly 50 others also detained at various related demonstrations.

In a separate incident in March 2025, protests erupted following the arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who had been detained on politically motivated charges. The demonstrations quickly expanded, becoming the largest anti-government rallies seen in Turkey in years. During these protests, another seven journalists, including Yasin Akgül, a photographer for Agence France-Presse (AFP), were detained while covering the events. Authorities charged them with participating in unauthorized gatherings and failing to disperse.

Turkish courts later ordered the release of both groups of journalists, although they still face pending trials. The arrests drew sharp criticism from international media watchdogs and press freedom advocates. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the United Nations condemned the Turkish government’s actions, warning that the arrests represented a severe escalation in its efforts to suppress independent journalism.

International journalists have also faced increasing hostility. BBC correspondent Mark Lowen was detained for 17 hours and deported after attempting to cover the protests, with Turkish authorities labeling him a “threat to public order.” His deportation further underscored the growing risks faced by foreign reporters in Turkey.

These cases highlight the Turkish government’s ongoing crackdown on press freedom, where journalists are targeted not only for their reporting but also for simply attending protests. While courts have granted temporary releases, the broader environment remains increasingly hostile, with legal threats and intimidation used to silence critical voices.

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