The week of July 7 saw a wave of developments in Turkey concerning freedom of expression and press freedom, with journalists facing court hearings, detentions, and censorship measures. Broadcasting watchdog RTÜK imposed 10-day suspensions on two opposition TV channels, while legal actions were taken against journalists, a satirical magazine editor, and even artificial intelligence software for alleged criticism of the government.
In total, 13 journalists appeared in court this week. One journalist was summoned to give a statement, while another was barred from attending a courtroom. Notably, journalist Mehmet Üçar was released from pretrial detention, while several others were handed penalties or faced ongoing legal proceedings. Below is a summary of key trials and incidents from the week:
Journalist Mehmet Üçar released after 225 days in detention
Journalist Mehmet Üçar, who was being prosecuted for “membership in a terrorist organization” due to his work for Yeni Özgür Politika, a Europe-based newspaper, and the magazine PolitikArt, appeared for his first hearing at the Batman 2nd High Criminal Court. After spending 225 days in pretrial detention, Üçar was released under a travel ban. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 7.
Prosecutors seek prison sentences over protest for journalists killed in Syria
Prosecutors requested prison sentences for journalists and politicians who made statements condemning the killings of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin in Syria. They are accused of “terrorist propaganda” and violating Law No. 2911 on public demonstrations. The court accepted defense lawyers’ request for additional time and postponed the hearing to Oct. 2.
Two separate cases for journalist Furkan Karabay
Journalist Furkan Karabay stood trial in two separate cases in Istanbul this week. In the seventh hearing of a defamation lawsuit filed by Mustafa Doğan İnal, a former lawyer for President Erdoğan, Karabay’s lawyer requested time for oral arguments. The court postponed the hearing to Sept. 9.
In a separate case at the Istanbul 74th Criminal Court of First Instance, Karabay was found guilty of “insulting the president” over social media posts and was fined 10,500 Turkish lira (approximately $320).
Journalist İsmail Arı’s trial postponed to 2026
The trial of BirGün journalist İsmail Arı, who is facing charges of “insult” and “slander” based on a complaint by MHP lawmaker and education foundation founder Levent Uysal, was held on July 11 in Istanbul. The court postponed the trial to Jan. 13, 2026, citing outstanding evidence requests.
Arrest warrant remains in place in Ferhat Tunç case
The Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court ruled to wait for the execution of an arrest warrant for musician Ferhat Tunç, who is being tried in absentia on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization” and “terrorist propaganda.”
Journalist Barış Pehlivan’s trial adjourned
The third hearing in the case against Cumhuriyet journalist Barış Pehlivan was held in Istanbul. The trial relates to an article he wrote. The court decided to request a disciplinary ruling from the Higher Education Council (YÖK) and postponed the hearing.
IHD member Selahattin Okçuoğlu sentenced to prison
Human Rights Association (İHD) member Selahattin Okçuoğlu was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in prison for “terrorist propaganda” based on his social media posts. The announcement of the verdict was deferred under Turkey’s sentencing laws.
Trial resumes over Yavuz Ekinci’s novel
The retrial of novelist Yavuz Ekinci, whose acquittal over his book Those Whose Dreams Were Divided (Rüyası Bölünenler) was overturned, resumed at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court. The court requested confirmation of whether a copy of the book was submitted to the prosecutor and postponed the trial to Oct. 6.
Case against journalist Geşbun Ayşe Kara postponed
The Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court postponed the case against journalist Geşbun Ayşe Kara to Dec. 25, awaiting the execution of an arrest warrant issued for her to give a statement while abroad.
Other developments in the week of July 7
Solidarity visit to banned TV channels
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), along with professional press groups, visited Halk TV and Sözcü TV, both of which were hit with 10-day broadcast bans by RTÜK. The visit aimed to express solidarity with the channels.
Sözcü TV goes dark following RTÜK ban
Sözcü TV was forced to go off air as of midnight on July 9, following a decision by RTÜK. Before the blackout, anchors and staff bid farewell to viewers in a black-and-white broadcast.
AI chatbot Grok faces investigation and access block
Ankara’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a criminal investigation into X’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok over alleged defamatory responses about President Erdoğan. The investigation involves three charges: “insulting the president,” “insulting religious values,” and “insulting Atatürk.” Access to Grok was also blocked in Turkey.
Journalist Osman Çaklı blocked from attending courtroom
Journalist Osman Çaklı was prevented from entering the courtroom during the third hearing of the Grand Kartal Hotel trial in Bolu, where 78 people died in an avalanche. Çaklı had been able to attend the first two days of the trial.
Satirical editor Aslan Özdemir faces arrest
A detention order was issued for LeMan magazine’s managing editor Aslan Özdemir ahead of his return to Turkey. The reason for the warrant was not disclosed.
Turkey issues arrest warrant for Cypriot journalist Şener Levent
Ankara’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Şener Levent, editor-in-chief of Cyprus-based Avrupa Gazetesi, citing prison sentences handed down in absentia by Turkish courts. Levent has been given 10 days to turn himself in.
Journalist Öznur Değer’s X account blocked
Journalist Öznur Değer, who was released from prison on May 22, had her X (formerly Twitter) account blocked in Turkey. Authorities have not provided an official explanation.
Journalist Ceylan Şahinli summoned for questioning
Mezopotamya Agency reporter Ceylan Şahinli was summoned to give a statement on July 8 in Urfa in connection with a speech she made during a protest over the killing of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin. A criminal investigation has been launched.
Kurdish-language café owner faces prosecution
Ramazan Şimşek, owner of Pîne Café in Diyarbakır, is facing trial for announcing that the café would serve customers in Kurdish. He was detained and held under house arrest for six months. Şimşek now faces charges of “making continuous terrorist propaganda” and could face between 1 and 7.5 years in prison.
