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March 25, 2025 – Turkey –
A Turkish court has issued an arrest order against a journalist working for the international news agency AFP, in connection with their coverage of recent protests in Istanbul. The journalist faces accusations of allegedly participating in and inciting public demonstrations that opposed the Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, and criticized his administration. The charges reportedly arise from the journalist’s reporting on politically sensitive protests, which have raised alarm among press freedom advocates.
According to the journalist’s lawyer, the accusations are unfounded and are aimed at punishing the journalist for exercising their right to report independently. The lawyer emphasized that the journalist’s work consisted solely of covering events and relaying information, not engaging in or promoting protest activities. This arrest order reflects a worrying trend in Turkey, where journalists frequently face legal challenges, harassment, or imprisonment for covering topics that the government or authorities deem controversial.
The AFP journalist has pledged to contest the arrest order vigorously, underscoring the importance of safeguarding press freedom and independent journalism in Turkey. Media freedom organizations, both within Turkey and internationally, have condemned the move as an attempt to intimidate journalists and curtail critical reporting. They warn that such actions undermine democracy and the public’s right to access unbiased information.
Turkey has been criticized in recent years for its treatment of journalists and restrictions on media outlets, especially those covering political dissent or government accountability. Cases like this highlight the risks reporters face when covering protests, opposition activities, or controversial figures such as Mayor İmamoğlu, a prominent political leader who has clashed with the ruling government.
Human rights and press freedom groups have called on Turkish authorities to revoke the arrest order immediately and respect journalists’ rights to report freely without fear of arrest or retaliation. The international community continues to watch the case closely as it raises important questions about Turkey’s commitment to democratic principles and freedom of expression.
The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for media freedom in Turkey, a country where the space for independent journalism remains under intense pressure.
Reference –
Court orders arrest of AFP journalist over İstanbul protests: lawyer
