A Turkish court rejected an appeal by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) regarding the detention of journalist Erdoğan Alayumat and the confidentiality order imposed on the investigation file. Alayumat was among 13 journalists, writers, and artists detained in an Eskişehir-centered operation accused of involvement in media activities allegedly linked to a terrorist organization.
Details of the arrest and investigation
Alayumat, detained early this morning during a raid on his Istanbul home, is accused of working for publications such as Politikart and Yeni Özgür Politika, both based in Germany. Authorities claim these outlets are connected to the PKK/KCK (Kurdistan Workers' Party/Kurdistan Communities Union). The Istanbul 2nd Criminal Judgeship of Peace upheld the detention, stating it was legally justified and essential for the investigation.
Eight journalists—including Tuğçe Yılmaz, Bilge Aksu, and Roza Metina—were arrested along with translators, cartoonists, and writers. The Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Counterterrorism Bureau requested a confidentiality order on the investigation, preventing access to case details.
MLSA's challenge and court ruling
MLSA argued that the detention and confidentiality order were unlawful, restricting the right to defense and violating the right to a fair trial. However, the court maintained that the measures were necessary due to the scope of the investigation, which began in 2023. The court cited allegations of financing and propaganda activities for a terrorist group under the guise of journalism.
Allegations against the detainees
Authorities claim that an individual identified as A.Y. transferred funds from Germany to Turkey, allegedly supporting a media network linked to the PKK/KCK. The investigation suggests detainees engaged in activities under the “Press Committee Structure” of the organization. According to reports, social media activity and financial transactions were reviewed, and the suspects are accused of producing content promoting the organization’s ideology.
The detention period for the suspects has been extended for 24 hours, with investigations ongoing. These developments have drawn attention from international human rights organizations, which frequently criticize Turkey for targeting journalists under broad anti-terror laws.
