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July 17, 2025 – Turkey –
Turkish journalist and prominent commentator Fatih Altayli is facing a potential prison sentence of at least five years after being formally indicted for allegedly threatening President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a YouTube broadcast. Prosecutors claim that Altayli’s remarks in a recent video amounted to a threat against the president’s life—an accusation rooted in Turkey’s controversial laws on presidential insult and threats.
In the video, Altayli referenced a historical tradition, noting that Turks had previously deposed or even executed leaders they no longer supported. He was commenting on an unofficial poll suggesting most citizens oppose Erdogan becoming a lifelong ruler. Prosecutors interpreted this comment as a veiled threat, arguing that Altayli implied Erdogan could face a violent end if he remained in power indefinitely.
Altayli, a long-time columnist and former television host with a substantial YouTube following, denies the charge and insists his statements were taken out of context. He described the comments as a historical observation, not a call to action. Nonetheless, under Article 299 of Turkey’s Penal Code, insulting or threatening the president can carry a prison term of up to 12 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years if the charge involves perceived threats.
The case has sparked widespread concern from press freedom advocates who view it as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. In recent years, Turkey has prosecuted thousands of individuals, including journalists, artists, and academics, for allegedly insulting the president. Critics argue that this legal framework is routinely used to stifle free expression and silence government critics.
Altayli’s indictment follows other high-profile cases, such as the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the detention of journalist Sedef Kabas earlier this year. These incidents, observers say, reflect the Erdogan administration’s growing intolerance for public dissent, especially ahead of key political milestones.
As the trial looms, Altayli’s fate may become a symbol of the broader erosion of democratic norms in Turkey. His case underscores the shrinking space for critical voices in the country and has reignited debate over the misuse of anti-defamation laws for political suppression.
Reference –
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250717-turkey-journalist-critical-of-erdogan-faces-jail-term
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