The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and six other press freedom organizations have issued a joint statement calling for the immediate release of journalist Furkan Karabay, who was detained over his reporting on a criminal investigation involving a government official. "Karabay’s detention is the latest example of criminalizing judicial reporting," the statement said, adding that he was being punished for fulfilling his duty to inform the public.
Karabay, a reporter for 10Haber, was detained on Nov. 8, 2024, following his coverage of the investigation into Ahmet Özer, the mayor of Esenyurt who was recently removed from office and replaced by a government trustee. Authorities allege that Karabay’s news articles and social media posts on the investigation "targeted a public official," and he now faces charges of "targeting a public official," "insulting a public official," and "publicly spreading misleading information." Karabay was subsequently jailed on Nov. 9 without a formal statement from prosecutors. The justification for his detention, authorities say, includes allegedly "targeting individuals involved in counter-terrorism efforts."
This is not the first time Karabay has faced legal troubles for his reporting. He was previously detained after publishing allegations of corruption and bribery involving judicial officials, which were based on publicly available court records. Press freedom groups argue that his case illustrates a broader trend of legal reprisals against journalists reporting on judicial or government affairs in Turkey. In 2023, journalist Fırat Can Arslan faced similar charges for sharing a judicial appointment announcement, which was published in Turkey’s Official Gazette; four other journalists were also detained for re-sharing Arslan's post.
The statement from MLSA and other organizations emphasized that Karabay's detention violates constitutional rights to freedom of expression and press, as well as international treaties Turkey has ratified, including the European Convention on Human Rights. "The ongoing intimidation and suppression of journalists cannot silence them," the groups wrote. They demanded an end to policies aimed at deterring critical journalism, calling Karabay’s detention "unlawful."
The joint statement was supported by MLSA, the Contemporary Journalists Association (ÇGD), the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), Punto24 Independent Journalism Platform (P24), the International Press Institute (IPI), the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS), and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
