Turkey’s Press Freedom Crisis Deepens as Journalists Face Mass Arrests and Intimidation

March 31, 2025 – Turkey – 

As of May 2025, Turkey’s press freedom continues to deteriorate, with at least 42 journalists, including 10 women, imprisoned during Eid al-Fitr, according to the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and the Mezopotamya Women Journalists Association (MKG) . The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on media professionals covering protests and political events, particularly those related to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Between March 19 and 23, police raided the homes of 13 journalists, detaining 12, with seven remanded in custody. These actions reflect a pattern of repression, especially against Kurdish journalists. Roza Metina, chair of MKG, highlighted the case of Öznur Değer from JINNEWS, arrested on February 7, who is due in court on May 22. Metina emphasized that the government intends to silence journalists, particularly those reporting on corruption and human rights abuses.

Turkey’s ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index dropped to 159th out of 180 countries, remaining in the “very serious” category due to intensifying political and economic pressures on journalists. The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) reports that 37 journalists are currently imprisoned in the country.

In response to the escalating repression, a coalition of press freedom and human rights organizations, including the International Press Institute (IPI), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and PEN International, has called on Turkish authorities to adhere to international standards on freedom of expression. The coalition warns that independent media and democratic discourse are under existential threat.

The situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in Turkey.

Reference – 

Press freedom in Turkey is being suffocated by courts, prisons and tear gas

Dozens of journalists spend Eid in prison as Turkey tightens media crackdown