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September 06, 2025 – Turkey –
Turkish courts have ordered the blocking of YouTube channels belonging to two prominent journalists—one exiled, the other detained—marking a deepening crackdown on dissenting voices and independent media.
An İstanbul court has directed that the YouTube channel of exiled journalist Can Dündar be blocked on grounds of “national security and public order.” The ruling came after Dündar encouraged members of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and its supporters to protest the government’s appointment of trustees to the party’s leadership. Known for his fearless reporting and advocacy, Dündar now broadcasts from abroad, but officials have still sought to silence his digital presence.
Simultaneously, another court order was issued to block access to the YouTube channel of veteran journalist Fatih Altaylı, currently imprisoned. The İstanbul 6th Criminal Court of Peace granted the block at the prosecutor’s request, citing legal provisions intended to protect national security, public order, and prevent criminal activity under Article 8/A of Turkey’s Internet Law No. 5651.
These actions represent a troubling expansion of media suppression in Turkey. Blocking digital platforms, which remain one of the few spaces independent journalists can reach audiences, severely restricts freedom of expression—especially when the individuals targeted are already outside full freedom, such as an imprisoned or exiled journalist.
For press freedom defenders, silencing dissent—even remotely—signals an intensifying effort to control narrative and punish critical reporting. The cases of Dündar and Altaylı highlight an alarming trend: regardless of whether journalists are behind bars or far beyond Turkey’s borders, the state continues to exert judicial power to erase their voices from public discourse.
Reference –
Turkey blocks exiled journalist Dündar’s YouTube channel over protest call
Turkey blocks exiled journalist Dündar’s YouTube channel over protest call
