Turkish Journalist Levent Gültekin Detained Over YouTube Comments, Later Released Under Supervision

December 19, 2025 – Turkey – 

Prominent Turkish journalist Levent Gültekin was detained by police in Istanbul this week following controversial remarks made on his YouTube channel, an incident that has drawn attention to ongoing restrictions on media expression in Turkey. Gültekin’s brief detention occurred late on December 17, 2025, when security forces took him into custody at a café in the Bebek district of the city, reportedly on suspicion of publicly disseminating “misleading information” related to political commentary he posted online. The exact legal basis for the allegation remains unclear, and Gültekin has publicly denied that his remarks contained any falsehoods or direct insults.

According to statements attributed to Gültekin following his release, he described the YouTube content at issue as “political commentary” that interpreted current affairs rather than presenting demonstrably false information. He told authorities that he was unable to identify specific elements in his video that could constitute a criminal offence, noting that the material did not include targeted insults against named individuals. His lawyer confirmed that the charges cited in police records pertained to the dissemination of allegedly misleading information, a charge that critics say is broadly defined and open to subjective interpretation.

After processing at the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, Gültekin was released on December 19, 2025, under judicial supervision, which includes restrictions such as a ban on leaving the country and regular check-ins with law enforcement. He announced his conditional release via social media, noting that the restrictions were part of the terms imposed by judicial authorities. While not held in custody, the measures signal that legal proceedings may continue.

Gültekin, who has a considerable audience on digital platforms and is known for critical commentary on political and social issues, has been a visible voice in Turkey’s media landscape for years. His detention comes amid broader concerns about pressures on journalists, commentators, and independent voices in Turkey, where legal action and administrative constraints have increasingly been used against media professionals. Press freedom advocates argue that such actions contribute to a climate of self-censorship and hinder open public discourse.

The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists and commentators in Turkey’s media environment, where the threshold for criminal liability based on online speech remains contested and subject to enforcement by security and judicial authorities.

Reference –

Turkish journalist released under judicial supervision after detention over YouTube comments

https://ankahaber.net/haber/detay/journalist_levent_gultekin_detained_over_youtube_remarks_280508