A coalition of independent journalists in Turkey launched a coordinated media protest on 3 May—World Press Freedom Day—against increasing state repression, with the joint headline “You Can’t Silence Journalists”.
The protest was organised by the “Do You Have News?” (Haberin Var mı) Initiative, a collective of journalists working across independent and opposition-aligned outlets. The group released a symbolic one-off front page, which appeared in multiple newspapers and online platforms, including the pro-Kurdish daily Yeni Yaşam.
The coordinated headline condemned the imprisonment of journalists, censorship orders, broadcasting bans, police violence and what the group called a growing climate of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent.
In its lead editorial, the group reminded readers that 3 May is recognised globally as World Press Freedom Day, established by the United Nations to reaffirm governments’ duty to protect press freedom. It pointed to Article 28 of Turkey’s Constitution, which states, “The press is free and shall not be censored.”
However, the editorial argued that successive governments, particularly under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) since 2002, have eroded those protections. Citing the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the group noted that Turkey now ranks 158th out of 180 countries—having fallen 59 places since the AKP took power.
The initiative highlighted a range of legal and extrajudicial measures used against journalists, including detention, house arrest, suspended sentences, and surveillance. It also criticised the increasing consolidation of media ownership in pro-government conglomerates, arguing that mainstream media has been turned into a tool for state propaganda.
Independent and opposition outlets, the statement said, face disproportionate fines, broadcasting bans, licence cancellations, and systematic obstruction. Journalists are also subject to accreditation restrictions, police violence, and the revocation of press cards.
The editorial called for the unconditional release of all jailed journalists and reaffirmed a commitment to journalistic ethics and the pursuit of truth. It concluded by commemorating journalists who have been targeted or killed in the line of duty.
