Jailed Journalist Elif Akgül Denounces Charges as Punishment for Civic Duty

April 7, 2025 – Turkey –

Elif Akgül, a freelance journalist and former editor at bianet, has been in pretrial detention in Turkey since February 21, 2025. Her arrest came amid a wide-ranging investigation into the People’s Democratic Congress (HDK), a legal coalition of leftist and pro-Kurdish groups. Authorities accuse Akgül of “membership in a terrorist organization,” citing her attendance at HDK meetings from years ago and wiretapped interviews conducted as part of her journalistic work. Akgül insists the charges criminalize both her reporting and civic participation.

In letters from prison, Akgül has described her imprisonment as politically motivated, arguing that her arrest aims to intimidate journalists and deter them from covering sensitive topics. She emphasized that she has never concealed her activities, has lived at the same address for years, and regularly reports from courtrooms. Prosecutors nonetheless claim she poses a flight risk.

The Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS), where Akgül once served on the board, attempted to visit her in prison but was denied access without explanation. The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office rejected the union’s request, and the Justice Ministry has not responded to their follow-up application. TGS condemned the refusal as an effort to isolate Akgül from her colleagues and professional support networks.

The situation has triggered widespread concern within the national and international press circles. Fifteen organizations, including the European Federation of Journalists and the International Press Institute, issued a joint statement demanding the release of Akgül and others detained under similar circumstances. They argue these arrests are part of a larger campaign against press freedom in Turkey.

Despite her incarceration, Akgül remains in high spirits. In a public message, she thanked supporters for their solidarity, which she said had lifted the morale of everyone detained with her. “Everyone here knows this case has no legal basis,” she wrote, “and that’s why we remain strong.”

Her trial is expected to draw significant attention as a test case for freedom of expression and the treatment of journalists in Turkey.

Reference – 

https://www.mlsaturkey.com/en/jailed-journalist-elif-akgul-says-she-and-others-are-imprisoned-for-fulfilling-their-civic-duties

https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/indictments-have-been-filed-against-journalists-yildiz-tar-and-elif-akgul

https://bianet.org/haber/journalists-union-denied-visit-to-jailed-reporter-elif-akgul-306243