Media freedom in Turkey, which has never been free from pressure, is now experiencing one of the darkest periods in its history. Independent journalism struggles against political pressure, legal harassment, and censorship. Throughout 2024, violations recorded by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium have positioned Turkey as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. More than 128 journalists have been subjected to legal pressure, while numerous media outlets have been shut down or blocked. Systematic state repression continues to suffocate Turkey’s media landscape.
According to MFRR’s Europe-wide report, 942 press freedom violations were recorded in the European Union member states, while 606 violations were documented in candidate countries. Turkey, in particular, has witnessed severe cases of judicial harassment and physical threats. Arrests, detentions, and imprisonments of journalists were among the most frequent violations in candidate countries, with Turkey and Georgia leading in such cases.
Increasing Legal and Physical Pressures
Legal frameworks remain the most commonly used tool for suppressing journalism in Turkey. Charges such as spreading terrorist propaganda or insulting state officials are frequently deployed to intimidate independent journalists. New legislative efforts, such as the ‘foreign influence agent’ bill, threaten to increase penalties against journalists, further tightening state control over the media. In addition to legal repression, physical threats and attacks against journalists have increased. Journalists now face not only legal harassment but also death threats and physical assaults. Kurdish journalists and media outlets are particularly targeted, while the killing of journalists in cross-border operations raises serious concerns.
However, threats against the media are not exclusive to Turkey. According to MFRR’s annual monitoring report, cases of threats and physical violence against media professionals have risen across Europe. However, Turkey remains at the forefront of state-led threats against journalists, ranking among the countries where judicial and security forces exert the most pressure on the press.
Digital Censorship and Barriers to Information Access
One of the greatest obstacles to media freedom in Turkey is digital censorship. Authorities frequently block access to critical news websites and independent journalists’ social media accounts. Government institutions such as RTÜK have revoked the licenses of independent radio and television broadcasters, implementing policies that effectively silence dissenting voices. The so-called disinformation law has been used as a new tool of repression, forcing journalists into self-censorship. The increasing restriction of access to online information is a serious threat to the public’s right to access information.
When looking at trends across Europe, digital censorship in Turkey stands out as being primarily state-driven. According to MFRR data, while digital attacks on journalists have decreased in some candidate countries, internet restrictions and digital repression in Turkey have intensified. This highlights the growing threat to the public’s right to access information in the country.
A Way Forward for Press Freedom
Media freedom in Turkey is not only an issue for journalists but a fundamental concern for society as a whole. Protecting the right to access information requires stronger national and international pressure and increased solidarity mechanisms. Independent journalists must be supported against legal harassment, and alternative media channels must be strengthened to build resilience against censorship. Protecting press freedom in Turkey is not just crucial for journalists but is vital for the future of democracy.
MFRR’s Media Freedom Violations Monitoring Report 2024 once again emphasizes the importance of a collective European struggle against media freedom violations. In light of this, reinforcing solidarity among international organizations, civil society, and journalists will be a critical step in restoring media freedom in Turkey.
For the full Monitoring Report 2024: https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/analysis/