Cry for press freedom in Turkey

Turkey: where journalism is a crime

The famous Turkish writer, scholar and journalist L. Dogan Tilic here speaks about the plight of his nation’s journalists and makes a plea for more press freedom. Turkey comes 153 our of the world’s 180 nations for press freedom.

Freedom of expression in Turkey is under sustained and increasing attack. Since the failed coup attempt in July 2016, academics, journalists and writers who criticise the government risk criminal investigation and prosecution, intimidation, harassment and censorship, according to Amnesty International.

More than 180 media outlets have been closed “by executive decree” under the state of emergency. The message – and the resulting effect on press freedom – is clear and disturbing. The severity of the Turkish government’s repression of the media is such that it has been described by some as the “death of journalism”.

In 2016 one third of all journalists imprisoned globally were in Turkish jails.