Amed – Press freedom in Turkey is facing increasing restrictions imposed by the authorities, reflected in arrests, content blocking, and the closure of media outlets. These measures signal a systematic effort to silence independent voices and undermine the right to access information.

In its September report, DFG highlighted widespread human rights violations targeting journalists, with particular emphasis on the growing censorship imposed on media outlets and their staff.

The report documented the blocking of several accounts and media platforms, including the account of the documentary “The Memory of Sur” by journalist Azad Altay, which documented the 2015 curfew; the YouTube channel of writer and journalist Can Dündar; and the Medya Haber account on “X.” Other blocked outlets included the Yeni Yaşam newspaper, the Ekin News Agency account, and the website of the Firat News Agency (ANF), all under similar pretexts.

30 Reports Banned

The report also detailed a series of violations against both journalists and media institutions, pointing to an escalation of digital censorship. Among the blocked content were posts on “X” concerning the suspicious death of Rojin Kabayış, with calls for a thorough investigation. These posts were censored following a decision issued by the 8th Civil Court of First Instance in Van on September 8 (decision no. 2025/32), at the request of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. The ruling targeted more than 200 posts and several accounts.

10 Journalists Arrested

According to the report, ten journalists were arrested in September, one was taken into custody, and investigations were launched against 19 others. Ongoing investigations involving 22 journalists were also converted into lawsuits.

In its assessment, the report emphasized that censorship, investigations, and repression against journalists in Turkey are sharply increasing. It underlined that the government’s appointment of trustees to media institutions is unacceptable. These institutions, now controlled by individuals with no ties to journalism and aligned with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), have caused further harm to media professionals.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of affected journalists, stressing that attacks on press freedom have not diminished despite frequent talk of democratic transformation in the country. On the contrary, they have intensified.

The report concluded by reaffirming that press freedom is the cornerstone of any democratic path. Achieving genuine democratic transformation in Turkey requires the removal of all obstacles to media freedom and the lifting of unlawful restrictions on access to information.