Journalist Fırat Can Arslan faces death threats from MHP members after report on Kars municipality
Mezopotamya Agency reporter Fırat Can Arslan has revealed that he received numerous death threats and insults from members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Ülkü Ocakları (a nationalist youth organization) following the publication of his September 2, 2024, report titled, “Kars municipality turns into a family business: The city is run by Ülkü Ocakları!” Arslan has since filed a criminal complaint with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, accusing several individuals of threatening him.
Arslan reported that the threats began shortly after he shared his article on social media. The article exposed alleged nepotism and undue influence of Ülkü Ocakları within the Kars municipality. Among those threatening him was Tolgahan Bulut, the head of the Kafkas University branch of Ülkü Ocakları, who sent a message referencing a “yellow bag,” a metaphor for death. Kars Ülkü Ocakları President Cem Keskin also sent numerous threatening and insulting messages.
“They fear the truth coming to light”
In an interview with the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), Arslan discussed the nature of the threats and his observations on the influence of MHP and Ülkü Ocakları in municipalities. He claimed that there is a "gang-like" structure in areas controlled by the MHP, including Kars, where Ülkü Ocakları reportedly occupy significant positions within municipal institutions.
“Through Ülkü Ocakları, the institutions and departments of the municipality are practically occupied,” said Arslan. “It’s important to note that many of them are also related, so it operates like a family business. My article shed some light on this operation, which is why I was met with threats and insults from Ülkü Ocakları officials and MHP members.”
Arslan added that the extreme reactions from Ülkü Ocakları suggest that there may be even more hidden, illicit activities they fear will come to light. “Their fear of the truth being exposed led them to attack a journalist.”
“We’re all at risk of being labeled traitors”
Arslan emphasized that threats against journalists are not new, particularly for Kurdish reporters like himself, but the atmosphere of intimidation in Turkey has grown. “The policy of instilling fear has increased to the point where anyone can be labeled a ‘terrorist’ or ‘traitor’ at any moment, with the government using its judiciary, media, and paramilitary groups to target people.”
He referred to the case of attorney Dilek Ekmekçi, who was jailed after accusing MHP and Ülkü Ocakları of threatening her. “But despite these intimidation tactics, we must continue to stand firm. There’s a strong determination to fight against this decay, and we need to raise our voices and remain in solidarity.”
“We will continue to do journalism”
Arslan remains undeterred by the threats, insisting that he will not be silenced. “I’m not scared because of these threats. I will continue living and working as I always have. We must speak louder and stand in greater solidarity against such threats,” he said.
Arslan vowed to continue his work, emphasizing the importance of resisting efforts to silence the press, particularly in the face of rising authoritarianism and intimidation in Turkey.
