BBC Journalist Mark Lowen Deported from Turkey

BBC correspondent Mark Lowen was arrested and deported from Turkey after reporting on widespread anti-government protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Lowen was detained for 17 hours and labeled a “threat to public order” by Turkish authorities. The Turkish Directorate of Communications stated that Lowen had not applied for the required press accreditation, leading to administrative action.

The BBC condemned the deportation, with CEO Deborah Turness calling it “extremely troubling.” Lowen, who previously lived in Turkey for five years, described the experience as “extremely distressing,” emphasizing that press freedom is fundamental to democracy.

The protests erupted after İmamoğlu’s arrest on corruption charges, which he denies. Many view the charges as politically motivated, as İmamoğlu is considered a significant rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The demonstrations have led to the detention of nearly 1,900 people, including journalists.

Media watchdogs and press freedom organizations have criticized Turkey’s actions. Reporters Without Borders condemned Lowen’s expulsion, urging Turkish authorities to stop criminalizing journalists and obstructing the public’s right to information.

Additionally, Turkey’s media regulator imposed fines and broadcasting bans on several opposition-aligned TV channels over their coverage of the protests. SZC TV was ordered to halt broadcasting for 10 days, with warnings of license revocation for further violations.

These events underscore growing concerns about press freedom and democratic principles in Turkey, as authorities intensify crackdowns on dissent and media coverage.