Rights Report Documents Rising Arrests and Digital Restrictions Against Journalists in Turkey
Rights Report Documents Rising Arrests and Digital Restrictions Against Journalists in Turkey
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A report by the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association has documented continued violations targeting journalists and media outlets in Turkey during June, including arrests, threats, restrictions on field coverage, and broad digital censorship.
The report said several journalists were detained last month, while 125 access-blocking orders were issued against websites, social media accounts, and media platforms. The association said these measures restricted press work and limited the public’s right to access information.
According to the report, restrictions on field reporting increased during women’s protests against the 12th judicial reform package, several social demonstrations, and preparations for the NATO summit. Journalists were reportedly prevented from carrying out their duties, while some faced detention and assaults by security forces.
The association said obstruction of media coverage is no longer limited to isolated incidents but has become a recurring pattern. It added that judicial investigations, detention orders, arrests, and summonses for journalists to give statements reflect ongoing legal pressure on media workers.
On the digital front, the report said access bans targeted various news websites and media platforms, often justified on grounds of “national security” and “public order.” The association warned that such measures reduce the presence of independent and critical media.
The report also recorded three journalists injured in attacks during June, four journalists arrested, two detained, one journalist’s home raided, and another summoned for questioning. It also documented direct threats against three journalists and the prevention of three others from covering events.
The association said courts continued hearing nine cases involving journalists, while seven journalists remained in detention by the end of the month.
