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September 10, 2025 ‒ Turkey ‒
A Turkish court has handed down a one-year, eight-month suspended sentence to journalist Mehmet Baran Kılıç on charges of “unlawful acquisition and dissemination of personal data,” following his reporting on a pro-government university official.
The verdict relates to Kılıç’s investigative work exposing alleged misconduct by the official, including misuse of public resources. The court found that Kılıç had obtained documents through means deemed “unlawful” under Turkish law and then published details of them. Although the sentence is suspended, meaning Kılıç will not serve time if he avoids further infractions for a prescribed probation period, the ruling raises serious concerns about press freedom and investigative journalism in Turkey.
Supporters of Kılıç argue that the decision sets a chilling precedent. They worry that laws intended to protect personal data are being applied in overly broad or vague ways to penalize journalists reporting on matters of public interest. Critics say this threatens media oversight of political actors and could deter other reporters from investigating allegations of wrongdoing.
Turkey has, in recent years, increased legal and judicial pressure on journalists, particularly those probing corruption or challenging pro-government narratives. Even when verdicts are suspended, the process, court appearances, charges, and potential fines can impose financial, psychological, and operational burdens on journalists and media outlets.
Kılıç has announced he plans to appeal the sentence. Meanwhile, press rights groups have called for clearer legal protections for journalists who publish responsibly researched investigations, especially when revealing impropriety among public officials.
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