The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) has filed an appeal with the Istanbul 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace, seeking the removal of judicial control measures imposed on T24 reporter Can Öztürk, who was detained while covering a student protest at Boğaziçi University on May 13, 2025.
Öztürk, whose legal representation is provided by MLSA, was detained while reporting on a demonstration against Nurettin Yıldız—a controversial Islamic preacher known for advocating child marriage. The protest was organized by students opposed to Yıldız's participation in an event on campus.
In its appeal, MLSA argued that the travel ban and weekly signature requirement imposed on Öztürk are unlawful and disproportionate. The filing emphasized that Öztürk was detained solely while performing his journalistic duties, stating: “Our client was formally assigned by his news outlet to report on a public event. This is clearly documented in the case file through video footage and the published news article.”
At the time of his detention, Öztürk was visibly working as a journalist, wearing a neck badge with the T24 logo and carrying a press card issued by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the appeal noted.
Allegations of police violence and press obstruction
The appeal also detailed allegations of mistreatment by police. It stated that Öztürk was surrounded by police, physically assaulted, and prevented from leaving the protest area despite identifying himself as a journalist. One police officer allegedly ripped off his press badge, while another reportedly grabbed him by the throat, saying, “We won’t let you share those videos.”
Öztürk was subjected to reverse handcuffing both during and after his detention, and held inside a police vehicle for approximately eight hours without access to legal counsel. A medical report documenting his mistreatment has been added to the case file, the appeal said.
“Punished for journalistic activity”
MLSA referenced prior rulings by Turkey’s Constitutional Court in the cases of journalists Beyza Kural Yılancı and Nurcan Kaya, which found that detaining or assaulting journalists in the course of their work, or subjecting them to judicial restrictions, constitutes a violation of press freedom and freedom of expression.
“The judicial control measures imposed on our client directly target his journalistic activity,” the petition stated. “This not only infringes on his freedom of expression but also the public’s right to access information.” It further warned that such measures have a chilling effect on press freedom.
Dual student and full-time journalist with international obligations
The appeal also noted that Öztürk is a dual-major student at Istanbul Bilgi University and holds a fixed residence. He works full-time for T24 and occasionally needs to travel abroad for his education and professional development.
“The travel ban and signature obligation disproportionately restrict our client’s personal and professional life, directly impeding both his education and his journalism,” the appeal read.
MLSA called for the full removal of the judicial control measures imposed in the May 14, 2025 ruling and requested that Öztürk be released from all related obligations.
