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March 27, 2025 – Turkey –
Seven journalists who were detained while covering widespread protests in Turkey have been released following a court order on March 27, 2025. Among them was Agence France-Presse (AFP) photojournalist Yasin Akgül, who had been arrested during a police crackdown on demonstrations related to the jailing of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The journalists were taken into custody during early morning raids on March 24, accused of participating in unauthorized rallies and failing to disperse when ordered. These protests were sparked by İmamoğlu’s conviction on corruption charges, which many domestic and international observers believe were politically motivated. His arrest led to a surge of dissent across Turkey, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where thousands of citizens defied protest bans and called for democratic reforms.
Police used force to disperse demonstrators, and press workers were reportedly targeted despite clearly identifying themselves as members of the media. Footage and eyewitness accounts described journalists being harassed, detained, and, in some cases, having their equipment confiscated.
The detentions drew sharp criticism from press freedom organizations and human rights groups. International outlets and media watchdogs labeled the arrests a deliberate attack on press freedom and called for the immediate release of those detained. The Turkish Union of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders both issued urgent appeals, urging Turkish authorities to respect journalistic rights under national and international law.
The court’s decision to free the journalists has been cautiously welcomed. While the releases are seen as a temporary relief, concerns linger about the broader climate for press freedom in Turkey. Over the past decade, the government has been accused of using anti-terror and public order laws to silence dissent, particularly among media professionals.
This latest episode underscores the precarious position of journalists in Turkey, especially when reporting on politically sensitive issues. As tensions continue to mount in the lead-up to national elections, observers warn that increased repression of the media may become a recurring tactic to stifle opposition voices and control public narrative.
Reference –
Turkish court frees 7 journalists arrested for covering protests
