Turkish Government Cracks Down on Legal and Media Figures in Growing Suppression of Dissent

April 24, 2025 – Turkey –

In recent weeks, Turkey has intensified its crackdown on both the legal and journalistic sectors, underscoring a broader pattern of suppressing dissenting voices and controlling narratives. Two key developments—a government-led dismissal of Istanbul’s Bar Association board and the conviction of a journalist—highlight the increasing risks faced by those who challenge the government’s stance on critical issues.

First, Turkey’s government took decisive action against the Istanbul Bar Association, dismissing its board on accusations of “terrorist propaganda.” The dismissal follows allegations that the association had taken positions sympathetic to terrorist organizations, despite its long-standing role as an advocate for human rights and legal reform in Turkey. This move is widely seen as part of a broader strategy by the government to stifle independent legal voices and silence critical organizations, especially those connected to the Kurdish issue and political dissidence. The Bar Association has been a strong opponent of state overreach, particularly in its response to the crackdown on opposition groups, and its removal reflects a troubling trend of diminishing judicial independence.

In a related development, a Turkish journalist was handed a suspended prison sentence for reporting on the Turkish military’s alleged collaboration with terrorist organizations. The journalist’s piece, published in a local media outlet, claimed that certain factions within the military were covertly working with militants. In response, Turkish authorities charged the journalist with spreading false information and insulting the military. Although the journalist will not immediately serve jail time, the conviction is widely seen as an effort to intimidate and silence independent media, particularly those covering sensitive topics like the Turkish military’s operations in conflict zones.

Both these actions, against legal professionals and journalists, reflect the growing risks faced by those critical of the government. The cases highlight the ongoing erosion of press freedom and judicial independence in Turkey, with severe consequences for those who dare to speak out.

Reference – 

İstanbul Bar Association board dismissed over ‘terrorist propaganda’

Journalist gets suspended sentence for depicting Turkish army as collaborating with terrorist groups