EVALUATION OF THE FEBRUARY REPORT ON RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST JOURNALISTS

The information reflected in our February report on rights violations against journalists once again demonstrates that journalists’ right to life, safety, and freedom of expression in Türkiye are under serious threat. Due to their journalistic activities, our colleagues are subjected to physical attacks, detention, arrest, and judicial harassment.

The raid carried out in February against Etkin Haber Ajansı (ETHA) was the latest link in this chain of repression. The agency’s office door was broken down, and journalistic equipment was confiscated. Of the five journalists detained during the raid, four were arrested. Journalist Alican Uludağ was also arrested on the grounds of his news reports and social media posts.

On the last day of February, three journalists were detained for reporting on activity at the İncirlik Air Base, including Kenan Şener, the Editor-in-Chief of ANKA Haber Ajansı.

With the arrest of five journalists in February, the number of imprisoned journalists has risen to 30. Journalists in prison also continue to face rights violations. Journalist Ali Barış Kurt, held at Maltepe No. 1 L-Type Closed Prison, should have been released in November 2025 but continues to be unlawfully detained following a decision by the Prison Administration and Observation Board.

Censorship, which peaked in January, continued in February. After facing four access bans in January, the digital media accounts of Mezopotamya Ajansı and JinNews were each blocked once again in February.

Violations of the Right to Life and Security

In the recent period:

6 journalists were physically attacked,
11 journalists were detained,
5 journalists were arrested,
6 journalists’ homes were raided,
3 journalists were subjected to ill-treatment,
1 journalist was threatened,
3 journalists were prevented from covering news events,
2 separate violations against journalists were documented in prisons.

These practices demonstrate that journalistic activities are being directly criminalized.

Pressure on Freedom of Expression

Investigations were launched against 3 journalists,
Lawsuits were filed against 5 journalists,
9 journalists were sentenced to a total of 6 years, 7 months, and 6 days in prison and fined 45,000 TL,
Trials of 45 journalists continue in 30 separate cases,
As of 4 March 2026, 30 journalists remain imprisoned.

In February, judicial processes continued to function as a systematic tool of pressure against journalists.

Censorship and Restrictions Against Media Outlets

Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulu (RTÜK) imposed administrative fines on two separate broadcasts,
10 broadcasting bans were enforced,
Access to 31 news reports was blocked,
272 social media posts were restricted.

This picture targets not only journalists but also the public’s right to access information.

Detention, arrest, repression, and censorship against journalists are unacceptable. Press freedom is a fundamental safeguard of a democratic society.

We call on the authorities to put an end to violations against journalists and urge the national and international public to remain sensitive to the rights violations occurring in the field of press freedom in Türkiye.

Journalistic activities cannot be put on trial.
Journalism is not a crime.