Turkey’s Crackdown on Journalists: Şahin Alpay’s Case and Broader Implications

March 19, 2025 – Turkey – 

Veteran Turkish journalist Şahin Alpay, formerly of the now-defunct Zaman newspaper, has been a prominent figure in discussions about press freedom in Turkey. Following the July 2016 coup attempt, Alpay was arrested and faced charges related to attempting to overthrow the government. However, he and many of his colleagues have consistently denied any involvement in the coup, asserting that the charges were politically motivated.

In a recent interview, Alpay discussed his newly published memoir, reflecting on his 14-year career at Zaman and his experiences during his imprisonment. He emphasized that none of the journalists he worked with had prior knowledge of the coup, challenging the government’s narrative that linked them to the failed attempt. Alpay’s case has become emblematic of the broader crackdown on media and dissent in Turkey post-coup.

The Turkish Constitutional Court has ruled multiple times that Alpay’s rights were violated during his detention. In 2018, the court determined that his pre-trial detention violated his right to liberty and security, as well as his freedom of expression. Despite these rulings, lower courts did not immediately implement the decisions, leading to further legal challenges. Alpay was eventually released under house arrest, but his case remains a point of contention regarding the independence of Turkey’s judiciary.

Alpay’s experiences highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey, where legal and extrajudicial pressures have significantly curtailed press freedom. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial independence and the protection of fundamental rights in the face of political pressures.

The international community continues to monitor the situation in Turkey, urging the government to uphold the rule of law and respect the rights of journalists and other dissenting voices.

Reference – 

https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/12/15/silencing-turkeys-media/governments-deepening-assault-critical-journalism

Journalist Şahin Alpay’s right to liberty and security violated, Turkish Constitutional Court rules

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