December 22, 2024 - Turkiye, Istanbul

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a criminal investigation against the independent news outlet T24 and journalist Seyhan Avşar over allegations of "making propaganda for a terrorist organization" and "publicly spreading misleading information."

This follows the publication of an article on T24 and Avşar's social media post addressing the killing of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin in Syria.

Authorities claim the coverage glorified individuals linked to the PKK and misrepresented their deaths as targeted killings of journalists. Avşar's post questioned the standards for defending press freedom, highlighting the dangers of selective advocacy and the silencing of dissenting voices.

Criminalizing journalistic inquiry undermines the public's right to information and fosters a chilling effect on critical reporting. Women Press Freedom denounces this investigation and demands it is immediately halted. Turkish authorities must cease harassing critical journalists.