The Turkish authorities sentenced 11 journalists to a total of 19 years and 8 months in prison during October 2024, while 104 journalists faced trial in 39 different cases, according to a new report.
The Dicle Firat Journalists Association (DFG) released its October press freedom violations report on 2 November, highlighting a stark contrast between the government’s rhetoric of ‘softening’ and the reality faced by journalists on the ground.
“Nine colleagues faced police violence and threats while covering news events in October,” the report stated. The incidents included police interference with four female journalists covering a protest in Diyarbakır (Amed) and the detention of three journalists reporting on a peace demonstration in Silopi (Silopiya).
The authorities blocked access to major social media platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube during significant events such as the Narin Güran murder case and the Ankara attack of 23 October. Additionally, 119 digital media accounts were restricted and numerous citizens were detained for their social media posts.
The controversial ‘Foreign Influence Agency’ bill passed through the Parliamentary Justice Commission despite dissent from journalists and opposition parties. The legislation proposes prison sentences of three to seven years for those deemed to be acting “in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organisation”.
“The addition of the concept of ‘influence agency’ to the penal code will seriously threaten press freedom,” the DFG warned. “The vague terms in the proposal have the potential to create pressure on all kinds of journalistic activities.”
Currently, 38 journalists remain imprisoned in Turkey, while October saw one journalist physically attacked, nine detained, eleven threatened and seven subjected to ill-treatment.
