The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) has released a report titled Freedom of Expression in the Shadow of the Censorship Law, examining the effects of Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which was enacted in 2022 and is widely referred to as the "censorship law." According to the report, thousands of individuals have been investigated under this law, with journalists facing particularly intense pressure.
Most investigations linked to earthquake coverage and corruption
The report states that at least 93 investigations have been launched under the law, targeting 65 journalists, 11 lawyers, eight YouTubers and content creators, two politicians, two writers, and one doctor, academic, and sociologist each. The most common reasons for these investigations were social media posts and news reports related to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and allegations of corruption.
A total of 19 individuals, including 14 journalists, faced legal action for their coverage of the earthquake. Some were detained, while others were subjected to travel bans. Journalist Yüsra Batıhan was sentenced to 10 months in prison for reporting on the distribution of aid supplies during the disaster.
Legal uncertainty and arbitrary enforcement
Most prosecutions under the censorship law have been linked to earthquake coverage and reports on the electoral process, the report states. It also notes that the majority of these cases end in acquittals, suggesting that the law is being used primarily as a tool to intimidate journalists rather than for legitimate legal purposes.
The Ministry of Justice has not disclosed detailed statistics on prosecutions under the law. However, according to records from the Turkish Parliament’s Justice Commission, 4,590 individuals were investigated under the law within its first two years. Among them, 33 were arrested, while 2,005 faced formal charges.
Press freedom under threat
The report emphasizes that the censorship law severely restricts journalistic activities and that the legal system is being used to suppress critical journalism. It calls for stronger international pressure and public advocacy to protect journalists and media freedom in Turkey.
