Deniz Tekin
Evren Demirdaş, the regional correspondent for Sözcü newspaper in the eastern Turkish province of Elazığ, has said he is facing systematic pressure and physical threats because of his reporting on irregularities in public tenders. After being assaulted by three unidentified individuals earlier this month, Demirdaş expressed doubts about whether the perpetrators will be found and said, “I have serious concerns about my safety. The target of these attacks is not just me, it’s independent journalism.”
Demirdaş has been reporting from Elazığ for the past 10 years, frequently covering corruption allegations, public procurement scandals, and misconduct by local authorities. His investigative stories have focused on high-value tenders awarded through non-transparent procedures, often to contractors with ties to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), as well as alleged nepotism involving local officials.
Among his recent stories were reports on a road tender issued by the Elazığ Provincial Special Administration via a restricted bidding process, multimillion-dollar tenders awarded to businesspeople close to the government, and a university job posting allegedly created for the wife of the Elazığ governor. He also covered tender practices by the Elazığ Municipality and published video footage allegedly showing Mustafa Seccad Yıldırım—son of AKP Elazığ provincial chair Şerafettin Yıldırım—using drugs.
Assault after municipal meeting coverage
On Oct. 1, shortly after covering a meeting of the Elazığ Municipal Council, Demirdaş was physically attacked by three men whose identities remain unknown. The journalist suffered a broken nose and bruises to his cheekbone and jaw. He obtained a medical report documenting the injuries and filed a criminal complaint.
This was not the first time Elazığ’s mayor, Şahin Şerifoğulları, was linked to an incident involving violence against a journalist. In 2022, his name was mentioned in connection with the beating of journalist Ardıl Batmaz. Following this latest assault, the governor of Elazığ condemned the attack and announced the launch of an investigation. However, no arrests have been made as of yet. Press freedom groups have condemned the violence and called for immediate steps to ensure journalists’ safety.
“I doubt the investigation is being conducted properly”
Speaking about the assault, Demirdaş said that although an investigation has officially been launched, authorities have made no statements about the attackers being apprehended.
“I have serious doubts about whether the investigation is being conducted properly, but I will continue to follow the process,” he said.
“They’re applying systematic pressure to silence me”
Demirdaş said he has repeatedly been targeted and threatened because of his reporting.
“I’ve been openly threatened, especially on social media. In the past, I was even threatened at gunpoint. I don’t think the latest attack was a coincidence. My report on the AKP’s former provincial chair’s son using drugs, the tender files related to Elazığ Municipality, and the tenders awarded to government-affiliated contractors have clearly disturbed some circles. There’s a group that’s trying to silence me through systematic pressure. These stories expose a web of entrenched interests, and they don’t want to be held accountable.”
“But I know that I’m not the only target—what they really want is to silence independent journalism. The real goal is to block public access to accurate information and to suppress the free press. Despite all the threats, I will continue to do my job and write the truth.”
“My reporting has earned the public’s respect—and the government’s wrath”
Demirdaş noted that in his decade-long journalism career, he has published many stories in the public interest, particularly related to local government misconduct and questionable procurement practices.
“Unfortunately, my efforts have brought not only appreciation from the public but also backlash from political and bureaucratic circles. I’ve faced more than 10 investigations and lawsuits, all linked to my reporting. I’ve been accused of defamation, violating personal rights, targeting public officials, and spreading misleading information.”
While most cases resulted in acquittals or dismissals, some are still ongoing.
“These legal processes have become a tool of psychological pressure. Frankly, most of these lawsuits are attempts to silence, intimidate, and push journalists toward self-censorship. The goal is for the journalist to stop asking uncomfortable questions in the public interest. But I haven’t backed down, and I have no intention of doing so.”
“Journalism is not for applause, it’s for accountability”
Demirdaş emphasized that questioning how public funds are used and whether public officials are abusing their power is a core responsibility of journalism:
“But this duty often makes those in power uncomfortable. Politicians, bureaucrats, and vested interests don’t want to be questioned—they want to be applauded. They create their own media, filled with flattering news, and try to control the narrative. Independent journalists who operate outside this system often become targets.”
“When we uncover the truth, we lift the curtain on shady deals and illicit networks. That threatens powerful interests. So attacks on journalists are rarely about a specific article—they’re about the damage that article does to a network of influence.”
“The increasing attacks, lawsuits, and pressures against journalists are not just targeting individuals or media outlets. They’re part of a broader effort to deny the public access to reliable information. Because journalism isn’t about applause—it’s about holding power to account.”
“I have serious concerns for my safety”
Demirdaş said the pressure and threats have taken a toll:
“It’s not easy to live with the constant fear that something could happen to me whenever I step outside or go on assignment. There have even been threats made against my home. Still, I’ve never considered backing down. In fact, the more pressure I face, the stronger my commitment becomes. It’s clear I’m doing something right.”
“These threats have also affected my ability to gather information. Some sources have become more cautious or refused to speak out of fear. Information flow has slowed down significantly. But despite this, I remain committed to journalism that serves the public interest and defends the public’s right to know.”
“We must strengthen solidarity and defend freedom of expression”
Demirdaş concluded with a call for collective resistance:
“If a journalist is assaulted, prosecuted, or threatened simply for reporting the truth, that’s not just a personal attack—it’s a serious societal problem. It’s a warning sign. Every assault on freedom of expression is an attempt to silence not just one journalist, but society as a whole.”
“The threats and pressure I face today could be directed at another journalist tomorrow—or at an ordinary citizen. That’s why it’s essential for all parts of society to stand together. We must strengthen solidarity and collectively defend freedom of expression.”
“If we remain silent, truth will be replaced by propaganda, and public interest by private gain. No matter what it costs me, I will continue to demand justice and freedom for all, and I will keep writing the truth. Because this profession is not just a job—it is a public responsibility. If journalists stay silent, the people are deprived of the truth.”
