Journalist Ruşen Takva is under investigation for allegedly "publicly disseminating misleading information" following a social media post critical of Turkey's policy toward Kurds in Syria. Takva, who works as a journalist with international experience, gave a statement at the Van Police Department on Dec. 11, 2024, as part of the investigation launched by the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
The social media post in question
The investigation centers on a Dec. 3, 2024, post on Takva’s X (formerly Twitter) account:
"Kurds living in Turkey share a deep and unbreakable emotional bond with their kin in Syria. For this reason, you cannot bomb the Kurds in Syria and reconcile with the Kurds in Turkey. This defies all known political conventions. Anyone claiming otherwise is either completely detached from reality or outright lying. This is not how societal peace is achieved."
The post has been cited as a violation of Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code, a provision introduced under the so-called "Disinformation Law," enacted in 2022. Critics, including journalist organizations, refer to the legislation as a "Censorship Law" due to its use against media and public dissent.
Takva defends his comments
In his statement to authorities, Takva acknowledged ownership of the post, explaining that it was an analysis informed by recent developments in the Middle East. He stressed that as a journalist, his role is to provide commentary based on facts and informed perspectives, and he denied the allegations.
Takva’s case highlights the ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and restrictive legislation in Turkey, with the Disinformation Law frequently criticized for targeting journalists and stifling public debate.
