Turkish authorities intensify crackdown on journalists and independent media outlets
In the past three months Turkey has arrested seven journalists, blocked dozens of online reports and shut down the T24 website, citing accusations such as "LGBT propaganda" and disinformation.
According to the latest BİA Media Monitoring Report, Turkey has stepped up censorship ahead of the 2028 elections, arresting seven journalists and imposing X-account bans on more than a dozen reporters and media sites. Over 52 online articles have been blocked and the T24 news website was forced to shut down on claims of "LGBT propaganda," a decision currently being contested in court. Judges have sentenced journalists for offenses ranging from "praising crime" to the disinformation provision introduced in October 2022.
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority and peace judges have coordinated unprecedented restrictions on coverage of alleged investment-fund irregularities affecting half a million people. The Justice Ministry announced the creation of Digital Security and Anti-Disinformation Bureaus, while the Constitutional Court awarded damages to a former editor over unlawful detention.
Why it matters
The crackdown threatens press freedom in Turkey and signals tighter state control of information before upcoming elections.
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