Turkish Journalists Detained Under Anti-Terror Law, Sparking Outrage
![Turkish Journalists Detained Under Anti-Terror Law, Sparking Outrage](https://gulanmedia.com/public/images/posts/20250210132634_original_29.jpg )
Authorities in Turkey have detained three journalists from the left-leaning BirGun newspaper, sparking condemnation from media watchdogs and the opposition. The journalists were taken into custody under anti-terrorism legislation after publishing a report linked to Istanbul’s chief prosecutor.
BirGun editor-in-chief Ibrahim Varli revealed on social media that journalists Ugur Koc and Berkant Gultekin, along with their managing editor Yasar Gokdemir, were arrested late Saturday from their homes. They were held for several hours before being released after a court appearance in Istanbul on Sunday.
The detentions were reportedly related to a BirGun article referencing a visit by a journalist from the pro-government Sabah newspaper to Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, Akin Gurlek. The same visit had also been covered by Sabah itself.
Legal and Political Reactions
Turkey’s anti-terrorism law permits the prosecution of individuals accused of “targeting” those involved in counter-terrorism efforts. The incident has drawn strong criticism from both opposition parties and press freedom organizations.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the detentions as “unjustified” and “unacceptable.” RSF representative Erol Onderoglu emphasized that the arrests were an attempt to suppress critical reporting on judicial impartiality.
The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel described the incident as “an unprecedented disgrace.” He accused authorities of trying to fabricate a crime out of legitimate journalism, arguing that such actions indicated official misconduct.
Ozel himself is currently under investigation for allegedly “insulting a public official” and “targeting individuals involved in counter-terror efforts” following comments he made about Gurlek on social media.
Press Freedom Under Threat
According to the Turkish MLSA media rights group, at least 30 journalists and media workers are currently imprisoned, with four under house arrest. In 2024 alone, MLSA monitored 281 trials concerning freedom of expression, involving 1,856 defendants, including 366 journalists.
The detention of journalists has become increasingly frequent in Turkey, drawing international concern over press freedom and the independence of the judiciary. Critics argue that the use of anti-terror laws to silence media professionals undermines democratic principles and free speech in the country.