December 21, 2024 - Turkiye, Istanbul

Journalist Özlem Gürses was placed under house arrest on December 21, 2024 after comments on her YouTube channel were misinterpreted as criticism of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Authorities targeted the journalist for allegedly comparing the Turkish Armed Forces to ISIS during a YouTube broadcast. Gürses says her comment was a “slip of the tongue.” Prosecutors charged her with "insulting state institutions" and "spreading misleading information." The court also imposed a travel ban.

Gürses’ lawyer argued her remarks were taken out of context and stressed the lack of intent behind her words.

Women Press Freedom believes the authorities reaction to the journalist's statement is a disgrace to rights and free press. All charges against her must be dropped and the journalist freed from house arrest.