Belgian Journalist Chris Den Hond Denied Entry to Turkey Over Kobani Celebration

March 18, 2025 – Turkey – 

Belgian journalist and documentary filmmaker Chris Den Hond was denied entry into Turkey upon arrival at Istanbul Airport and subsequently deported. Turkish authorities informed him that he was on a blacklist and imposed a ten-year ban on his entry into the country. The reason cited for this action was his participation in a 2015 celebration marking the liberation of the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani from the Islamic State (ISIS).

Den Hond, who resides in France, had traveled to Turkey to cover Newroz, the Kurdish New Year festival. In a video statement, he expressed his belief that the ban was linked to his recent reporting in Rojava, northern Syria, where he covered the tenth anniversary of Kobani’s liberation. He stated, “I am convinced that this 10-year ban is linked to my stories in Rojava at the end of January 2025”.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of restrictions on foreign journalists in Turkey. In November 2024, Canadian journalist Neil Hauer was similarly denied entry and deported, reportedly due to his coverage of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Turkey has faced ongoing criticism from international organizations for its treatment of journalists and press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists has previously named Turkey among the worst jailers of journalists globally.

Den Hond’s deportation underscores the challenges faced by journalists covering Kurdish issues and conflicts in the region. His case highlights concerns about the suppression of press freedom and the use of entry bans to control media narratives.

Reference – 

https://bianet.org/haber/belgian-journalist-chris-den-hond-denied-entry-to-turkey-305494

Belgian journalist denied entry to Turkey over 2015 Kobani celebration

https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2025/03/18/chris-den-hond-turkey/