- This week saw a series of censorship measures, journalist detentions and violations of freedom of expression in Turkey. A trustee was appointed to take control of Halk TV, and police raided the broadcaster's headquarters, prompting criticism from press freedom and free expression advocates.
- Journalist Murat Ağırel was detained while under house arrest. Journalist Bahadır Özgür was also among those detained this week, while journalist Oya Lale Arslan was released.
- Despite a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) finding a rights violation, jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala's requests for a retrial and release were rejected.
- The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) filed an application with Turkey's Constitutional Court, arguing that imprisoned journalist Tuğba Tekerek's rights to freedom of the press and expression had been violated.
The police raid on Halk TV following the appointment of a trustee to take control of the broadcaster dominated Turkey’s press freedom and freedom of expression agenda this week. Detentions also continued, while trials involving journalists, artists and students were held.
The third hearing in the trial of six employees of the weekly satirical magazine LeMan over a cartoon published in its June 26, 2025, issue was held Oct. 13 at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The employees face charges of “publicly inciting hatred and hostility through the press.” The court adjourned the trial until Feb. 2, 2027, to address outstanding procedural matters. A trial observer reported that the courtroom was small and poorly ventilated and that heavy security measures had been put in place ahead of the hearing. The court did not issue a ruling on the merits of the case at this hearing. News report on the adjournment of the LeMan trial
Other developments this week
Police raided Halk TV’s headquarters in Istanbul on the morning of Oct. 14. Following the raid, a government-appointed trustee was assigned to take control of the broadcaster, and its television broadcasts were suspended. As searches continued inside the building, the road leading to the broadcaster’s headquarters was closed to traffic, and employees were barred from entering.
MLSA Co-Director Veysel Ok described the intervention against Halk TV as a significant step in the government's efforts to monopolize the flow of information. Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Ok said the move targeted the public's right to access news from diverse sources. The Media Solidarity Group, a coalition that includes MLSA, also stressed that the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV constituted an infringement on press freedom. News report on the Media Solidarity Group's statement
Former fighter pilot Bahadır Altan, a former board member of the İzmir branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD), was detained Oct. 16 on charges of “inciting public hatred and hostility or denigrating the public” over a social media post criticizing the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV. Altan had previously been summoned to give a statement over the post.
Journalist Murat Ağırel, who was placed under house arrest on Oct. 10 alongside İsmail Saymaz, was detained again Oct. 16 as part of a separate investigation.
Journalist Bahadır Özgür, a columnist for Halk TV, which was placed under trustee control, was detained Oct. 15.
A court ordered the release of journalist and YouTube broadcaster Oya Lale Arslan, who had been arrested 40 days earlier over a social media broadcast.
The Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court rejected Osman Kavala’s requests for a retrial and release despite a ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) finding a violation of his rights. The court ordered the continued enforcement of Kavala’s sentence.
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) filed lawsuits seeking damages for reputational harm against BirGün TV, its presenter Timur Soykan, journalist Şaban Sevinç and YENİ Party spokesperson Zeynel Emre over news reports and broadcasts concerning a funding scandal. AKP Secretary-General Eyyüp Kadir İnan said the lawsuits sought a total of 1.6 million Turkish lira ($), alleging damage to the party’s institutional reputation.
An investigation was launched against news anchor Serap Belovacıklı on charges of “inciting public hatred and hostility or denigrating the public” over a social media post.
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) filed an application with Turkey’s Constitutional Court challenging journalist Tuğba Tekerek’s pretrial detention, arguing that her detention violated her rights to freedom of the press and expression. News report on the Constitutional Court application
Rights violations during the NATO summit remained in the spotlight after the event concluded. Reports emerged that, during a meeting process linked to the summit, participants were allowed just 45 minutes for a meeting despite having traveled 12 hours. News report on rights violations following the NATO summit
