Turkiye: Ankara Bombing Comments Lead to Show Cancellation and Anti-Terrorism Investigation into Journalist Ayşenur Arslan
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the use of anti-terrorism laws to target journalists
Location: Turkiye, Istanbul
Date: October 3, 2023
Ayşenur Arslan, a veteran journalist, has been released after a brief detention period following her comments on a recent bombing in Ankara. Her show on Halk TV has been canceled, and she is now under investigation by both the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and the prosecutor's office for alleged terrorism activities. The Coalition For Women In Journalism has documented numerous cases in which anti-terrorism laws are used to target journalists to suppress critical reporting. We call on the Istanbul prosecutor and RTÜK to immediately halt their investigations into Arslan. We further urge Halk TV to reinstall Arslan’s TV show.
"Turkiye has completely sunk into silence. They want even those who speak to be silent," remarked well-known TV presenter Ayşenur Arslan after an outcry following her questions regarding bombing in nation’s capital.
On October 3, 2023, Arslan was taken into custody by officers from the Istanbul Police Department Anti-Terror Branch and brought to a courthouse in Çağlayan. The Istanbul prosecutors are currently investigating Arslan for allegedly spreading terrorism propaganda, based on comments she made during her talk show the previous day.
“Turkiye has completely sunk into silence. They want even those who speak to be silent”
Arslan was released after giving a statement to the Istanbul Chief State Prosecution.
The controversy pertains to Arslan expressing skepticism over the official account of the October 1st bombing outside the Ministry of Interior during her program. A group linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claims responsibility for the attack. The PKK is considered a terrorist organization in Turkiye, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Arslan's comments quickly garnered criticism on social media. In response, she clarified that "It is never possible to praise terrorism. I questioned the process. Moreover, if you watch the whole program, I said, 'These words will be interpreted as terrorist propaganda, but I clearly condemn terrorism.' It's in the program, watch it and you'll see."
During her broadcast, Arslan raised questions about the motive behind the use of a stolen car in the attack. She suggested that it would have been easier for the attackers to obtain a car in the capital instead of resorting to stealing a car and killing its driver in Kayseri, a city located approximately 260 km (161 miles) southeast of Ankara. She also expressed doubts about the decision to detonate the bomb near the entrance of the Ministry of Interior building, causing minimal damage and injuring only two police officers.
Arslan's inquiries touched on sensitive topics, including allegations of collaboration between the former Minister of Interior and underground organizations and drug barons. She speculated whether the bombing could be a form of threat or a message to the new Minister of Interior, who has been cracking down on these underground networks.
Her remarks ignited a backlash on social media, with the hashtag "#ArrestAysenurArslan" trending. Critics accused her of defending terrorists and justifying the attack. As a result, Arslan's program on Halk TV was taken off the air, and an investigation was initiated against her by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).
The prosecutor's investigation into Arslan's comments regarding the Ankara bombing is still ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.
The Turkish government frequently uses anti-terrorism legislation to target women journalists, leading to detentions, lengthy trials, and numerous prosecutions. Recently Kurdish journalist Rojin Altay received a 15-month suspended sentence for retweeting a post deemed to be spreading terrorist propaganda. In 2021, Roza Metina was acquitted of baseless terrorism charges, including being accused of being a delegate of banned organizations and possessing banned books.
The investigation into Ayşenur Arslan sends a chilling message to media professionals in Turkiye. As the case unfolds, it raises concerns about the ability of journalists to fulfill their critical role in challenging authority and presenting diverse viewpoints to the public.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism calls on both the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and Istanbul prosecutors to drop their investigations into Arslan, allowing her to continue to present her program without interference.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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