Press freedom organizations call for release of journalist Furkan Karabay
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), the International Press Institute (IPI), and 15 other press freedom organizations have called for the immediate release of jailed journalist Furkan Karabay. In a joint statement, the groups said Karabay is being punished for his journalistic activities.
Karabay was acquitted this week by the Istanbul 22nd High Criminal Court on charges of “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism,” “insult,” and “publicly disseminating misleading information.” The charges stemmed from his reporting on an investigation involving Ahmet Özer, the mayor of Esenyurt, a district on the European side of Istanbul.
Karabay’s final hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m., and MLSA, along with fellow journalists, has issued a call for solidarity and public attendance.
Court returns verdict in trial of 11 journalists in Ankara
In a separate case, the 4th High Criminal Court in Ankara handed down a sentence of six years and three months in 2024 to reporters from Mezopotamya Agency (MA) and JINNEWS who had been arrested in 2023 on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization.” However, the regional appellate court has returned the case file, citing missing documents and deficiencies in the indictment.
19 journalists on trial in southeastern Turkey
In Diyarbakır, a city in southeastern Turkey with a predominantly Kurdish population, 19 journalists are facing trial for alleged “membership in a terrorist organization” and “spreading terrorist propaganda.” The case stems from investigations into three local production companies: Pel Yapım, Piya Yapım, and Arî Yapım. The next hearing has been postponed to 2026. During a recent hearing, the presiding judge was criticized for telling a witness, “You're saying no without thinking—at least pretend to think.”
New developments in other journalist trials
In Mersin, journalist Vedat Örüç appeared for the second hearing in his case at the 6th High Criminal Court, where he is accused of “membership in a terrorist organization.” His legal defense is being handled by MLSA’s Legal Unit.
Journalist Elif Akgül, who was detained in February 2025 during a police operation targeting the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) and released in June, appeared before the Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court. Akgül’s request for a travel ban to be lifted was rejected. In her defense statement, she said, “I have never been a member of any organization, either in the past or today.”
In Istanbul, the 13th High Criminal Court is awaiting judicial cooperation documents (istinabe evrakı) in the trial of Swedish journalist Kaj Joakim Medin, who is also facing charges of “membership in a terrorist organization.”
Investigations closed, restrictions lifted in other freedom of expression cases
The investigation into T24 journalist Can Öztürk under Turkey’s controversial “censorship law” has been dropped. The probe was launched after Öztürk published a news report titled “Sexual abuse allegations in conversion therapy.” MLSA represented him in the legal process.
In another case, a court lifted the signature obligation imposed on human rights advocate Nurcan Kaya but kept her international travel ban in place.
Nine individuals prosecuted for attending a commemoration for journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, who were killed in Syria, had their travel bans lifted.
Free expression cases reach Turkey’s Constitutional Court
MLSA has petitioned Turkey’s Constitutional Court to overturn an access ban on the website and social media accounts of Kaos GL, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights organization in Turkey.
In another civil liberties case, the lawsuit seeking the dissolution of the Tarlabaşı Community Support Association on the grounds of “violating morality and the law” has been postponed until Jan. 21, 2026, as the court awaits the outcome of a related case.
High-profile figures and artists entangled in ongoing legal battles
Ayşe Barım, a well-known talent manager, was released from detention under house arrest and a travel ban in a trial where she is accused of “aiding the attempt to overthrow the government of the Republic of Turkey.” Celebrities Ceyda Düvenci, Halit Ergenç, and Dolunay Soysal testified as witnesses.
In a separate case, Kurdish café owner Ramazan Şimşek stood trial in Diyarbakır for allegedly “repeatedly spreading terrorist propaganda.” He was previously detained after declaring he would offer services in Kurdish. In court, Şimşek said, “This trial is not against me but against the Kurdish language.” The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13.
Protest-related trials continue across Turkey
The trial of 87 people arrested during protests following the brief detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been postponed to Nov. 28. An arrest warrant was issued for one defendant who has not submitted a defense statement.
In a separate case related to protests in the central district of Saraçhane in Istanbul, a prosecutor has been asked to prepare the final opinion.
Attacks and threats against journalists
Sözcü newspaper’s Elazığ correspondent Evren Demirdaş was assaulted by three individuals following a municipal council meeting. Demirdaş said he fears for his safety. He later stated, “These attacks target not just me, but independent journalism as a whole.”
Censorship and administrative penalties from broadcasting watchdog
Turkey’s media regulator RTÜK imposed new administrative fines on several broadcasters. TELE1 received two separate fines of 3 percent of its monthly advertising revenue. Halk TV and SZC TV were also each fined 3 percent.
Pop star faces criminal charges over lyrics
Pop singer Mabel Matiz is facing up to three years in prison on charges of “inciting hatred and enmity” over lyrics in his song Perperişan. The Ministry of Interior filed a criminal complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Sept. 18.
Legal education for civil society organizations
Applications have opened for a workshop titled “Preparation for Association Audits and Capacity Building,” organized by ARTICLE 19 and MLSA. The event will take place in Istanbul on Oct. 17 and will be led by attorneys Kerem Dikmen and Veysel Ok.
Other legal developments
A case brought against journalist Aslıhan Gençay over reports known as the “Falyalı tapes,” which were subject to an access ban, has led to a defamation trial and a separate investigation for “spreading misleading information to the public.”
Social media user Bekir Aslan, also known as “Basel,” was released at his first hearing after being jailed for allegedly insulting the president. Aslan told the court, “The tweet was directed at Netanyahu.”
Journalist Fatih Altaylı remains in pretrial detention at Marmara Prison, where he has been held for 104 days. He is being prosecuted for allegedly insulting the president during a YouTube broadcast. He appeared in court via video link, and the court ruled to continue his detention.
