Two women journalists were detained in Turkey in September 2024, according to a new report by the Mezopotamya Women Journalists’ Platform (MKG). The report highlights growing pressures on female journalists, including arrests, harassment and intimidation, as media freedom continues to be suppressed across the country.
The report points to a systematic increase in the targeting of women journalists, particularly those covering controversial topics. Rabia Önver, a reporter for JINNEWS, had her home raided by police in Colemêrg (Hakkari) after reporting on drug trafficking and prostitution, underscoring what the MKG describes as “systematic repression” of women in the field. “This event shows the extent to which the pressures have become systematic,” the report stated.
Additionally, the report detailed how TV100 correspondent Canan Altıntaş was attacked and threatened while covering a funeral. “The attack highlights the challenges women journalists face while working in the field,” the report added, noting similar incidents of abuse against other female journalists in recent months. In İzmir, the home of Mücadele Birliği newspaper reporter Lütfiye Burcu Kara was also raided by authorities.
“Journalists are tasked with uncovering the truth, but judicial pressure is making this increasingly difficult,” the MKG noted, adding that the determination to report the truth remains strong despite the escalating crackdown. “As government pressure on journalists increases, so does the resolve to uncover the truth.”
The report also honoured the legacy of fallen women journalists, including Nagihan Akarsel and Gurbetelli Ersöz, who continue to inspire resistance among female journalists. The platform outlined the extensive violations against women journalists in September, noting: “Two journalists were attacked, two faced home raids, and two were detained. Additionally, four journalists experienced mistreatment, one was threatened, and two had their reporting activities obstructed.”
The platform warned that ongoing harassment, combined with a lack of protections for women journalists, has led to an alarming increase in rights violations. “In September, one female journalist was imprisoned, two arrest warrants were issued, two investigations were opened, and one journalist faced a lawsuit.”
The MKG report concluded with a list of imprisoned women journalists, including Elif Ersoy, editor of Yürüyüş Magazine, and Hatice Duman, owner and editor of Atılım Newspaper, both of whom remain behind bars due to their work.
