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December 14, 2025 – Turkey –
Turkish authorities have detained journalist Osman Çaklı over social media posts, prompting warnings from press unions and free-expression advocates who say the case reflects the continued criminalization of online speech and journalism in Türkiye.
Çaklı was taken into custody in Istanbul following a prosecutor’s order linked to posts he shared on social media platforms. While the exact content cited by authorities has not been fully disclosed, reports indicate that the investigation centers on commentary deemed critical of public institutions. After his detention, prosecutors sought judicial control measures rather than immediate imprisonment, a step that could include travel bans, regular police check-ins, or restrictions on online activity.
Journalism organizations and rights groups reacted swiftly, arguing that the detention represents a disproportionate response to expression that falls squarely within the bounds of journalism and public debate. They warned that using criminal investigations to police social media posts creates a chilling effect, particularly for journalists who rely on digital platforms to share reporting, analysis, and commentary.
According to media monitoring groups, Çaklı’s case is part of a broader pattern in which journalists in Türkiye face legal action for online expression under laws related to insulting state institutions, spreading disinformation, or threatening public order. Critics say these laws are frequently applied in vague and expansive ways, allowing authorities wide discretion to target critical voices.
Following questioning, Çaklı was referred to court, where prosecutors requested judicial control rather than pretrial detention. His lawyers argued that the investigation lacks a clear legal basis and that detention was unnecessary, emphasizing that their client is a journalist engaged in legitimate professional activity. The court’s decision on whether to impose restrictions is expected to shape the next phase of the case.
Press unions stressed that even short-term detention can have serious consequences, including intimidation, reputational harm, and self-censorship. They noted that repeated use of police custody against journalists contributes to an atmosphere of fear, especially ahead of politically sensitive periods.
The case has renewed calls for reform of Türkiye’s laws governing online expression and journalism. Media advocates are urging authorities to respect freedom of expression, end the use of criminal measures against journalists for social media activity, and align domestic practices with international human-rights standards.
As Osman Çaklı awaits the outcome of judicial proceedings, his detention has become another focal point in ongoing debates about press freedom, digital expression, and the limits of state power in Türkiye’s media landscape.
Reference –
https://bianet.org/haber/gazeteci-osman-cakli-gozaltina-alindi-341498
https://www.birgun.net/haber/request-for-judicial-control-for-journalist-osman-cakli-676507
