Isolated and restricted: 3 journalists on life and work under Turkish house arrest

March 10, 2025 – Turkey – 

In Turkey, journalists face increasing repression, with house arrest serving as a significant tool for curbing press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlights the experiences of three reporters under house arrest: Tolga Güney, Delal Akyüz, and Melike Aydın. Charged with membership in the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, these journalists have been confined to their homes for extended periods, awaiting trial.

Tolga Güney, a reporter for the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya News Agency, has been under house arrest since February 2024. He believes his detention stems from his journalistic work, particularly his coverage of Kurdish issues. Similarly, Delal Akyüz and Melike Aydın, affiliated with JİNNEWS and Mezopotamya News Agency, respectively, face the same charges and restrictions.

These cases exemplify a broader pattern of judicial harassment against Kurdish and pro-Kurdish journalists in Turkey. Authorities often equate journalistic activities with terrorist affiliations, leading to arbitrary detentions and trials. The CPJ reports that such practices have led to the imprisonment of journalists like Kadri Gürsel, who was detained in 2016 for his reporting on groups associated with terrorism.

The Turkish government’s approach to press freedom has drawn international criticism. While the number of journalists in prison has decreased in recent years, many remain under investigation or trial, indicating a persistent climate of repression. The CPJ emphasizes that the reduction in imprisoned journalists does not reflect an improvement in press freedom, as the underlying issues of systemic harassment and judicial overreach persist.

These developments underscore the urgent need for Turkey to uphold its commitments to press freedom and human rights, ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of arbitrary detention or persecution.

Reference – 

Isolated and restricted: 3 journalists on life and work under Turkish house arrest