Kurdish Journalist Eylem Babayiğit Detained in Turkey Over Terror Charges

January 22, 2025 – Turkey/Iraq/Kurdistan – 

Turkish authorities detained Eylem Babayiğit, a Kurdish journalist and former contributor to the now-closed Özgür Gündem newspaper, during a raid on her home in Istanbul. She is accused of “membership in a terrorist organization” under Turkey’s broad anti-terrorism laws, which have been frequently used to target Kurdish media workers and political dissenters.

Babayiğit’s arrest is linked to her past journalistic work, particularly her involvement with Kurdish outlets and her reporting on minority rights, social issues, and state repression. Authorities allege that she has ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the United States. However, no clear evidence of criminal activity has been presented, and press freedom organizations argue the charges are politically motivated.

The Stockholm Center for Freedom condemned the arrest, calling it another example of the Turkish government weaponizing anti-terror legislation to silence journalists, especially those from Kurdish backgrounds. The organization warned that Babayiğit’s detention reflects a troubling trend where journalism is treated as a crime when it challenges official narratives.

Since the failed coup attempt in 2016, Turkey has intensified its crackdown on the press, particularly Kurdish media. Numerous journalists have been detained, prosecuted, or forced into exile. Özgür Gündem, where Babayiğit once worked, was among several outlets forcibly closed for allegedly spreading “terrorist propaganda.”

Legal experts and human rights groups have long criticized Turkey’s anti-terrorism laws for their vague language and lack of safeguards. These laws enable authorities to prosecute journalists based on content, association, or even language used in articles, rather than any direct link to illegal acts.

Babayiğit remains in detention as of the latest reports, with press freedom advocates calling for her immediate release and for Turkey to uphold its obligations under international human rights law. Her case highlights the ongoing repression of Kurdish journalists and the fragile state of media freedom in Turkey.

Her detention sends a chilling message to journalists reporting on Kurdish issues: that truth-telling in today’s Turkey can come at the cost of personal freedom.

Reference –

Kurdish journalist detained in İstanbul over alleged membership in ‘terrorist organization’