Press freedom in Turkey deteriorated further in 2024, with journalist associations calling it “a lost year” for press freedom. Turkish journalist groups warned that press freedoms were under increasing legal and political pressure, marked by detentions, police violence and censorship. Some union representatives even said 2024 had been more violent for journalists than previous years, with police disproportionately targeting them during protests and anti-government demonstrations.
Moreover, legal pressure on the press intensified, with 89 journalists, media staff members and one newspaper facing trial in at least 70 cases. Of these, 17 cases reached a verdict: 16 journalists were acquitted, while nine received prison sentences totaling over 50 years. Additionally, two journalists were fined a combined 33,320 Turkish lira (approximately $969).
There was an alarming rise in physical and verbal threats against journalists, often from political groups aligned with the ruling alliance. At least 25 journalists and five media outlets experienced physical attacks, while 82 journalists were threatened, primarily by figures linked to the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). A lack of legal action against perpetrators has deepened concerns about press safety.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) continued to stifle dissent, imposing fines totaling 72.1 million Turkish lira ($1.92 million), along with broadcast suspensions and program bans.
A disinformation law enacted in 2022 continued to be weaponized by authorities to stifle dissent and muzzle the independent media. The legislation criminalizes the dissemination of “false or misleading information,” carrying prison sentences of up to three years. Critics argue that these measures are being used to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.
Data from the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) showed that since the law’s enactment, at least 56 journalists have faced 66 investigations.
Turkey, which became the world’s biggest prison for journalists in 2018 during a state of emergency imposed after a coup attempt, was ranked 158th of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.
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