Pakistani Journalists Face Arrests Amid Crackdown
March 28, 2025
Crackdown on Foreign Journalists Amid Turkey’s Unrest
March 28, 2025
March 28, 2025 – Turkey –
Turkey experienced its most significant anti-government protests in over a decade, following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges widely perceived as politically motivated. The government’s response included a sweeping crackdown on journalists covering the unrest, raising serious concerns about press freedom and democratic rights.
At least 11 journalists were detained in Istanbul during early morning raids, accused of participating in unauthorized demonstrations. While some were later released, they still face charges that could lead to imprisonment. Among those arrested was AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, who was detained on March 24 and released three days later. Reporters Without Borders condemned these actions, highlighting the escalating suppression of media freedoms.
International journalists were also targeted. BBC correspondent Mark Lowen was detained for 17 hours and deported for allegedly posing a “threat to public order” while covering the protests. Swedish journalist Joakim Medin was arrested upon arrival in Turkey, charged with insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). After 51 days in detention, Medin received an 11-month suspended sentence and was released following diplomatic efforts by Sweden and European partners.
The Turkish government’s actions have drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups, who view the suppression of journalists as an attack on freedom of expression. The detentions and deportations underscore the risks faced by media professionals in Turkey and the broader challenges to democratic principles in the country.
As protests continue and the political climate remains tense, the treatment of journalists serves as a barometer for the state of civil liberties in Turkey. The international community continues to monitor the situation, advocating for the protection of press freedoms and the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal.
Reference –
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/25/europe/turkey-protests-journalists-arrested-intl-latam
https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-jails-journalists-as-protesters-defy-crackdown/a-72038167
