REPORT ON HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST JOURNALISTS – APRIL 2026
The data for April 2026 demonstrate that human rights violations against journalists continue in a multi-dimensional and systematic manner. Pressures targeting journalists’ right to life, security, freedom of expression and professional activities have once again revealed a serious situation during this period.
Within the scope of violations against journalists’ right to life and security, 2 media outlets were subjected to attacks or obstruction, 3 journalists’ homes were raided, 3 journalists were detained and 1 journalist was arrested.
Following an incident that took place at a school in the Siverek district of Urfa, journalist Mehmet Yetim was arrested on the grounds that he shared posts related to the incident within the scope of an investigation launched over allegations of disseminating “misleading information” on social media. The arrest of Yetim has demonstrated the extent to which the Disinformation Law poses a serious threat to journalists.
In addition, 1 journalist was subjected to ill-treatment, 1 journalist was threatened and 2 journalists were prevented from covering news. It was also determined that at least 1 journalist was subjected to a rights violation in prisons.
These data indicate that journalists are under pressure not only in the public sphere but also in their private lives.
Violations targeting freedom of thought and expression have reached striking levels.
In April:
● Investigations were launched against 9 journalists
● Lawsuits were filed against 4 journalists
● 10 journalists were sentenced to a total of 17 years, 8 months and 28 days of imprisonment
In addition, trials concerning 118 journalists in 35 cases are ongoing.
As of 3 May 2026, the number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey is 31.
This situation demonstrates that journalistic activities are carried out under judicial pressure and that the practice of punishment has become widespread.
