Location: Turkiye
Date: November, 2021

Updated: October, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands resolutely in solidarity with Arzu Yıldız, an investigative journalist from Turkiye forced into exile after facing persistent threats and persecution for her work. Yıldız's experience is emblematic of the broader crackdown on press freedom under President Tayyip Erdoğan's regime, where dissent is aggressively stifled. We unequivocally condemn the targeting and persecution of journalists by President Tayyip Erdoğan's government. The systemic oppression and intimidation tactics used against Yıldız and countless others serve to stifle dissent and manipulate public discourse, undermining the very foundations of democracy and human rights. This is not merely an issue confined to Turkiye; the repercussions of such actions extend beyond its borders, as seen in the transnational repression faced by exiled journalists. We demand immediate action to protect journalists from persecution, both within Turkiye and internationally. The Turkish government must cease its oppressive tactics, ensuring that journalists can fulfill their vital role without fear of retribution. Journalism is not a crime; it is a fundamental pillar of democracy and a cornerstone of informed societies. Women Press Freedom calls upon the international community to recognize the urgency of this situation and to advocate for the protection of journalists everywhere. We urge governments and organizations worldwide to take a stand against transnational repression and to support the rights of journalists to live in peace and security.

The Canadian government has launched an investigation into threats made against Arzu Yıldız, who sought refuge in Toronto after fleeing Turkiye in 2016. The threats stemmed from her reporting on a 2015 court case involving Turkish intelligence agency (MIT) trucks allegedly transporting weapons to Syria. This incident, which embarrassed Erdoğan's government, triggered a series of legal actions and persecution against journalists involved in its coverage. Yıldız, along with others, faced charges of revealing state secrets, putting her life in danger.

Two other prominent journalists were sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison for their involvement in revealing state secrets. They had published footage allegedly showing the trucks transporting weapons to Syria.

Turkiye’s crackdown on dissent has led to the imprisonment of at least 165 journalists and the issuance of arrest warrants for over 500 others. The Turkish government has targeted those who report critically on its activities, particularly in the wake of the 2016 coup attempt.

Fleeing Turkiye

Following a failed coup attempt in July 2016, Yildiz continued to document unlawful arrests, leading to accusations of propaganda against her.

When police came to her home seeking her, Yıldız initially considered challenging their actions legally but was advised against it by her lawyer, who recognized the escalating risks for journalists. This marked the beginning of a period of hiding with her daughters, during which Yıldız struggled to find safe shelter.

In a desperate move, Yildiz left her children with her parents and sought refuge in a remote, unfinished building on the outskirts of Ankara. After two weeks, she managed to rent a one-bedroom apartment under a false identity, allowing her to live discreetly with her daughters for five months, during which they had no outside contact.

As the pressure mounted, Yıldız fled to Greece with the help of smugglers. She passed through France and the United States, ultimately leading her to Canada, where she crossed the border  in November 2016 and received refugee status.

Yildiz remains under scrutiny from the Turkish government, even while residing in Canada. This transnational repression is a clear effort to erode press freedom.

The Canadian government launched an investigation, and Yildiz was advised to wait until it was completed. She had moved to her current address in June 2021, noting that few Turkish people knew her new address, which was why authorities were interested in reaching the contacts of those who visited her home. 

Law enforcement installed a camera in her car and removed her name from the building entrance. Additionally, a camera was placed at the entrance of her house.

Both intelligence agencies and police are actively monitoring the situation, regularly checking in to ensure her safety. Yildiz expressed concern for her well-being, suggesting that it might be safer to avoid media exposure until the investigation was complete and the perpetrators were identified. 

Transnational Repression in Canada 

At Women Press Freedom, we are profoundly concerned about the escalating threat of transnational repression aimed at women journalists in Canada. Our research reveals that authoritarian regimes are increasingly employing advanced digital tactics, as well as physical intimidation in some cases, to suppress dissent and manipulate narratives within Canadian territory.

Beyond the digital sphere, we have documented nearly a dozen instances of physical targeting against women journalists in Canada. These incidents include surveillance, stalking, and threats of violence, highlighting the severe risks faced by those committed to honest reporting. Such acts of physical intimidation not only endanger the lives of these journalists but also deter others from pursuing investigative work, resulting in a significant loss of diverse and critical perspectives in the media landscape.

Our findings indicate that countries like China, Russia, Turkiye, and Iran are key players in these campaigns. They utilize sophisticated digital strategies, including disinformation, malware, and surveillance, to suppress dissent abroad. These campaigns often initiate online but can escalate into physical harassment and intimidation. 

Women journalists from immigrant and marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to both digital harassment and direct physical threats.

Women Press Freedom stands firmly in solidarity with Arzu Yildiz and all exiled journalists forced to flee their homes and forgo time with their loved ones simply for fulfilling their professional duties. We strongly condemn the oppression and persecution perpetrated by Erdoğan's government to suppress dissent and manipulate the narrative. We are outraged by the ongoing repression targeting journalists, even beyond Turkiye's borders. Transnational repression poses a significant threat to many exiled journalists, obstructing their fundamental human rights to live in peace and security. We call on the Turkish government to halt its oppression of journalists and to uphold press freedom both domestically and internationally. Journalism is not a crime; it is vital for a democratic society. Journalists play an essential role in holding those in power accountable. We demand that journalists be safeguarded from harm and not face persecution for simply carrying out their duties.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

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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