Sultan Eylem Keleş
Turkey’s so-called "disinformation law," widely referred to as the "censorship law" by press organizations and unions, has drawn widespread criticism for its restrictive impact on press freedoms. Enacted as Law No. 7418, the legislation introduced a new crime under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code, criminalizing the "public dissemination of misleading information." The law, which came into effect on Oct. 18, 2022, has led to investigations against dozens of journalists, some of whom have been detained or faced repeated investigations for the same offense. Critics argue that the law is being used as a tool to suppress dissent and control the flow of information.
The law, officially titled the "Law on Amending the Press Law and Certain Laws," was passed in Parliament on Oct. 13, 2022. It punishes anyone who publicly disseminates "false information" with the intent to create fear, panic, or disrupt public order, national security, or public health with prison sentences ranging from one to three years. Since its implementation, the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) has documented at least 66 investigations targeting 56 journalists, writers, and media workers under this controversial provision.
Journalists speak out about the law's impact
Journalists targeted under the law, including Furkan Karabay, Rabia Önver, and Fırat Bulut, describe the legislation as a means to silence independent reporting and encourage self-censorship.
Karabay: “The government wants others to enforce censorship for them”
Furkan Karabay, a reporter for Duvar Gazetesi, was detained under accusations of "public dissemination of misleading information" after reporting on the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who had been removed from office and replaced by a government-appointed trustee. Karabay was also accused of "targeting individuals involved in counter-terrorism" and "insulting a public official." He spent nine days in custody before being released under judicial control. Despite this, an indictment against him has yet to be filed.
Karabay argues that the investigations aim to disrupt journalists’ work while pressuring media outlets and their owners to self-censor. "The government wants censorship and pressure to be implemented by others on their behalf," he said. Despite the challenges, Karabay remains committed to his profession. "Even if we can’t present the naked truth, we dress it in transparent clothing," he added.
Önver: “We are targeted because we expose violations”
Rabia Önver, a reporter for Jin News, was arrested on Sept. 20, 2024, following a report she wrote on sex and drug trafficking in the southeastern Turkish province of Hakkari. She was charged with "public dissemination of misleading information" but was not allowed to present her defense to prosecutors. Meanwhile, the individuals implicated in her report were not even questioned.
According to Önver, the law is a deliberate attempt to criminalize journalists and suppress their work. "While those involved in illegal activities face no consequences, journalists exposing these violations are investigated and punished," she said. However, Önver emphasized her determination: "We are not backing down. On the contrary, we are pushing harder. The reason independent journalism is so targeted is that it exposes rights violations, torture, violence against women, and war policies."
Bulut: "The law is arbitrary and stifles truth"
Fırat Bulut, another journalist, was detained on March 10, 2023, at Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport after returning from Malatya, where he had covered the aftermath of the February earthquakes. Bulut was accused of spreading false information through a social media post describing fires in Elbistan Prison. Although subsequent investigations confirmed the accuracy of his report, the charges against him remain. His case has been bogged down in procedural delays, with jurisdiction disputes between courts prolonging the trial.
Bulut describes the law as "arbitrary and irresponsible," arguing that it is designed to suppress journalism. "The same prosecutor’s office investigating my report for misinformation had, in fact, already launched an inquiry into the events I reported on," he said, highlighting the contradictions in the legal process. Bulut emphasized the broader implications of the law: "Its purpose is to produce disinformation by stifling real journalism. Under this law, any information not sourced from the government is deemed false."
Targeting earthquake coverage and beyond
MLSA’s data reveals that nearly half of the investigations under this law have targeted journalists reporting on the February 2023 earthquakes. These cases often cite posts or stories that allegedly caused public panic, despite many being later verified as accurate. Bulut’s experience underscores this trend, as his report on fires in Elbistan Prison was eventually corroborated by official documents.
Bulut criticized the government’s monopoly on information: "The political climate normalizes arbitrary governance, rights violations, and impunity. Controlling journalism and punishing journalists is central to sustaining such a system." He called on society to push back, stating, "This law denies the public’s right to access accurate information. Everyone must stand up and say, ‘Journalism is not a crime.’"
Press freedom under increasing strain in Turkey
Turkey has faced sustained criticism from international rights organizations over its press freedom record, with many journalists prosecuted under anti-terror and disinformation laws. Critics argue that the disinformation law further consolidates government control over the media, stifling dissent and limiting independent reporting. In a country where media outlets are already heavily polarized and subject to significant state pressure, the law’s implementation has amplified concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and freedom of expression.
