Turkish Journalist Rahime Karvar Sentenced to Prison for “Aiding a Terrorist Organisation”

November 13, 2025 – Turkey – 

The Rahime Karvar trial concluded at the Istanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court, with the journalist handed a prison term of 2 years and 1 month on charges of “aiding a terrorist organisation”. The hearing marks the fourth session since her indictment, and comes amid heightened concerns over press freedom in Turkey.

Karvar, a feminist journalist who previously moderated a television programme, rejected the allegations, saying that her work falls within journalistic practice and that reporting on topics related to the Kurdish region does not constitute terrorism. Her lawyer argued that the recurring reference to the word “Kurdistan” in her broadcasts was treated unfairly by the prosecution as evidence of criminal activity.

In the court’s decision, certain judicial control measures were relaxed: the obligation to wear an electronic ankle monitor and to regularly sign in with the police were both lifted. However, the travel ban remains in force, restricting her from leaving the country.

Media-watch organisations point out that this case fits a broader pattern of prosecutions under Turkey’s anti-terror legislation targeting journalists, especially those covering Kurdish issues or critical of the state. The use of charges such as “aiding a terrorist organisation” (Article 314 of the Turkish Penal Code) has long been cited as undermining freedom of expression.

Karvar’s arrest on 17 January 2025 and subsequent detention until her release in June were already viewed by rights defenders as a signal of the shrinking space for independent journalism in Turkey. She insisted at the hearing that her detention and prosecution were politically motivated and intended to silence her voice.

The sentence raises urgent questions about the boundaries of journalistic work in challenging environments and the risks faced by media professionals who operate in regions of political contention. With the verdict in place and controls still limiting her freedom of movement, Rahime Karvar remains under judicial supervision, her ability to work and travel curtailed pending possible further appeal.

Reference – 

https://bianet.org/haber/journalist-rahime-karvar-sentenced-to-over-two-years-in-prison-for-aiding-a-terrorist-organization-313519

https://www.mlsaturkey.com/en/journalist-rahime-karvar-sentenced-to-1-year-and-13-months-in-prison-on-aiding-terrorist-group-charge