World Press Freedom Day 2025- by Eva Maria Grabmair, SEEMO Contributor

ARTICLE 19, SEEMO and partner human rights and journalist organisations are alarmed

ARTICLE 19, SEEMO and partner human rights and journalist organisations are alarmed by the recent escalation in the government’s crackdown on freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly following the detention of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Tens of thousands continue to participate in overwhelmingly peaceful mass protests across Türkiye, marking the largest demonstrations in over a decade. The protests, which initially began in major cities, have spread throughout the country, and the police have responded with unlawful and indiscriminate force to disperse the crowds. Journalists also face significant restrictions, including arrests and physical assaults, and social media platforms have been pressured to suppress information about unfolding events.

The government must immediately cease its attacks against peaceful protesters, stop targeting journalists and news channels, and halt its crackdown on online speech. We also urge social media companies to take immediate steps to restore access to blocked accounts containing protected speech while implementing necessary measures to ensure
continued accessibility of their platforms.

Crackdown on mass protest

Türkiye is now facing one of its gravest socio-political upheavals in decades. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on 19 March, based on investigations of ‘corruption’ and ‘aiding terrorism’, in a raid involving detention orders for more than 100 others. İmamoğlu was
remanded in pre-trial detention on 23 March, the same day he was nominated by members of his party as the main opposition candidate in a symbolic primary for the 2028 presidential election. He was removed from his post alongside district mayors of Şişli and Beylikdüzü, who also face charges.

According to the Minister of Interior, as of 26 March, 1879 people were detained during the protests. The protests were met with unwarranted and unlawful use of police force, with people beaten with batons and kicked when they were on the ground. Law enforcement officials indiscriminately used pepper spray, tear gas, plastic bullets and water cannons against protesters, causing numerous injuries. The Minister also reported on 27 March that 150 police officers were injured during the protests. He did not, however, report how many protesters were injured.

The repression also affects forms of protest beyond demonstrations. On 26 March, members of the board of Eğitim-Sen, a teachers’ union, were put under house arrest pending trial for ‘inciting crime’ following their decision to stop work on 25 March in solidarity with university students – who have been at the forefront of the protests– while the
union’s representative at Istanbul University was detained.

Blanket bans on protests have been in place in Istanbul since 19 March, and in İzmir and Ankara since 21 March. The Governor of Istanbul also issued a decision stating that ‘Individuals, groups and vehicles likely to participate in illegal activities – individually or collectively – will not be allowed to enter or exit the city’. It is unclear how this is enforced.

We remind Turkish authorities that they have obligations under international human rights law to respect and ensure everyone’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly. Any restrictions to this right must be narrowly drawn and meet the three-part test. Specifically, they must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and be necessary and
proportionate to that aim. Blanket bans on protests are disproportionate and unjustifiable. Additionally, we strongly condemn the use of force against peaceful protesters. The use of force by law enforcement officials must be strictly necessary and proportionate –only the minimum force necessary may be used, and those who use force must always
be accountable. We call on the authorities to ensure that any allegations of unlawful use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officials, including gender-based violence, torture and other ill-treatment inflicted on protesters, are subject to an effective, impartial and timely investigation.

Threats and violence against journalists and media outlets

The crackdown on mass protests has been accompanied by intensified attacks and pressure on independent media and journalists. At least 11 local journalists were detained in Istanbul and Izmir due to their reporting of the protests, with seven of them remanded in detention on 25 March for allegedly violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations, and released after appeal on 27 March, pending trial. At least 10 local journalists were physically assaulted by the police while covering the protests on the ground in Istanbul, and one journalist was reportedly
assaulted by protesters.

The international media have also been caught up in the crackdown. The BBC reported on 27 March that its correspondent Mark Lowen, who was in Istanbul to cover the protests, was detained at his hotel and later deported on the grounds that he was a ‘threat to public order’.

Reporting on the events is also restricted by Türkiye’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). RTÜK’s chair Ebubekir Şahin has urged broadcast media, their anchors and commentators to ensure their reporting ‘remain free from political bias’, warning that failure to do so would result in maximum penalties, including the revocation of their licenses. On 21 and 27 March, RTÜK followed through by issuing administrative fines and temporary broadcast suspensions of up to 10 days to TV channels Halk TV, SCZ TV, Tele 1, and Now TV.

We call on Türkiye, and specifically RTÜK, to immediately stop these media freedom violations and create an environment that allows the media to provide the public with necessary information and to report on events free from state pressure. Intimidating journalists to disseminate only government-approved content undermines the core principles of independent journalism. We also reiterate that journalists and other observers must be protected and able to freely report on public interest issues, including monitoring the actions of law enforcement officials, and must not face reprisals or other harassment.

Online censorship

Social media is one of the last channels through which people in Türkiye have access to independent voices, and where activists and journalists can share their opinions relatively freely. Amid mass protests, the authorities have swiftly imposed heavy restrictions on social media and messaging apps, including ordering social media platforms to block protest-related content.

Major social media platforms and messaging apps were subjected to bandwidth throttling starting at 7 a.m. local time on 19 March, when the detentions of the mayor and others took place. The restrictions appeared to be limited to Istanbul and lasted for 42 hours, until 21 March. No clarification was provided regarding the reasons for these restrictions or why they were lifted. Under the Electronic Communications Law (Law no. 5809), such restrictions can be implemented by the Information Technologies Authority (BTK) on orders by the Presidency where there is peril in delay and threats to national security or public order. These administrative restrictions are temporary and are reviewed by the judiciary in 24 hours at the latest.

The BTK issued hundreds of blocking orders for the social media accounts of journalists, media organisations, civil society organisations and human rights defenders based on Article 8/A of the Law no. 5651, non-compliance with which can result in severe sanctions against social media companies.

Although it appears that many of the accounts on X are currently blocked, X issued a statement according to which it objected to ‘multiple court orders […] to block over 700 accounts’, including those of news organisations, journalists, and political figures. On 26 March, X announced that they filed an individual application before the Constitutional Court challenging an order by the BTK to block 126 accounts.

Authorities must refrain from using legal and extra-legal means to exert pressure on social media platforms to censor online content in violation of their international human rights obligations, particularly content involving political discourse, which enjoys the highest level of protection. Türkiye must allow free and unfettered access to the internet, and rescind all unlawful orders to block social media accounts of those exercising their right to free expression to criticise the authorities.

We renew our call to social media platforms to resist political pressure and refrain from restricting access to protected expression. Rather than simply accepting such blocking orders, we urge platforms to take all steps possible to limit their scope and duration, including by challenging their legality in court. Platforms should also be transparent towards affected users and the broader public about government requests for censorship and measures taken in response; and take all possible steps to maintain platform access in the event of shutdowns or throttling.

Signatories:

ARTICLE 19
Articolo 21
Amnesty International
Civil Rights Defenders
Danish PEN
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Human Rights Watch
IFEX
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC)
PEN America
PEN International
PEN Norway
PEN Sweden
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)

5 February 2025: Call for action as press freedom violations surge in Turkey in 2025

TURKISH TRANSLATION BELOW / Metnin Türkçe çevirisini aşağıda görebilirsiniz.

The International Press Institute (IPI), together with undersigned press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights, and journalists’ organizations, and media outlets, expresses serious concern over the recent escalation of press freedom violations in Turkey, marking a troubling start to the new year. The frequent use of arbitrary arrests, detentions, judicial control measures, and convictions poses an existential threat to independent media, democratic discourse, and fundamental human rights in the country.

Turkey must ensure that its practices align with international standards for the protection of freedom of expression and press freedom, as well as with the protections enshrined in its own constitution, in order to safeguard the foundations of democracy and human rights.

In January 2025 alone, at least nine journalists were arrested, six were sentenced to prison, five were detained, 23 faced investigations and one encountered police obstruction. Here is a timeline of a concerning acceleration of press freedom violations over the last month (the following is not an exhaustive list):

• On January 2, authorities launched an investigation against journalist Aslıhan Gençay for her reporting on corruption in Hatay. They blocked access to her article and charged her with multiple offenses, including violations of the disinformation law—an apparent attempt to suppress investigative journalism.
• On January 7, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against 21 journalists who covered the Kobani trial’s final hearing. The journalists face potential fines for alleged unauthorized photography—a move that effectively criminalizes routine court reporting.

• On January 17, a coordinated crackdown led to the detention of six journalists – Reyhan Hacıoğlu, Necla Demir, Rahime Karvar, Vedat Örüç, Velat Ekin and Ahmet Güneş – across multiple cities. They were denied basic legal rights, including access to legal representation, and were subsequently arrested on January 20 without their statements being recorded. The authorities’ only justification appears to be their legitimate journalistic activities. (Note: Ahmet Güneş was released on February 4.)

• On January 21, Rudaw TV correspondent Rawin Sterk Yıldız faced police interference while documenting a detention in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. Despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist, he was prevented from documenting the public incident.
• On January 23, a troubling verdict resulted in five journalists – Yakup Çetin, Ahmet Memiş, Cemal Azmi Kalyoncu, Ünal Tanık, Yetkin Yıldız, Gökçe Fırat Çulhaoğlu – receiving harsh sentences—ranging from 25 months to over six years in prison—in a terrorism-related case, despite the absence of credible evidence.
• On January 24, the arrest of journalist Eylem Babayiğit once again demonstrated the arbitrary use of “membership of an organization” charges.
• On January 28, the detention of journalists Barış Pehlivan, Seda Selek, and Serhan Asker following their broadcast of a recorded phone conversation with an expert witness raises concerns about limitations on the coverage of matters of public interest. The court released Seda Selek and Serhan Asker under judicial control measures.
• On January 28, the launch of an investigation into T24 columnist Şirin Payzın for alleged “terror propaganda” over social media posts indicates a concerning expansion of surveillance and criminalization of online expression.
• On January 28, the conviction of journalist Safiye Alagaş, former news editor for the pro-Kurdish JINNEWS, resulted in a six years and three months prison sentence. Alagaş has already spent a year in pretrial detention and is currently free while awaiting appeal.
• On January 29, Halk TV editor-in-chief Suat Toktaş, program coordinator Kürşad Oğuz, and journalist Barış Pehlivan were detained for broadcasting a recorded phone conversation with an expert witness. While Pehlivan and Oğuz were released under judicial control measures, Toktaş was arrested—authorities cited flight risk and potential evidence tampering, demonstrating a concerning use of arbitrary detention criteria. Halk TV, one of Turkey’s largest private TV channels, is recognized for its critical programming.

Broadcast regulator’s decisions threaten press freedom

Turkey’s broadcast regulator RTÜK has demonstrated a concerning pattern of targeting critical media outlets. Just before the journalists’ detention over broadcasting a recorded phone conversation, the RTÜK Chair warned of potential consequences for media outlets and journalists regarding the same broadcast—effectively signaling the impending crackdown. In his statement, he criticized Halk TV for recording and broadcasting a phone conversation with an expert witness without permission and allegedly attempting to influence ongoing legal proceedings.

This incident reflects a broader pattern of regulatory pressure on critical media. In 2024, RTÜK imposed 24 broadcast bans resulting in fines totaling 81.5 million Turkish lira (approximately €2.2 million or $2.3 million), with the majority targeting media critical of the government.

The systematic use of regulatory powers to penalize critical media outlets raises serious concerns about the independence of broadcast regulation and its impact on media pluralism in Turkey.

In a recent example, following the devastating hotel fire in Bolu that erupted in the early morning hours of January 20, 2025, claiming 78 lives, the RTÜK Chair directed media outlets to report solely on information from official sources. Shortly after this directive, the Bolu 2nd Criminal Court of Peace imposed a broadcasting ban on coverage of the disaster at the request of the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Judicial control measures: a new tool for censorship

While there appears to be a decrease in the number of journalists in prison, this masks a troubling shift toward using judicial control measures—such as travel bans, regular check-ins at police stations, and house arrest—as alternative means of restricting press freedom. This trend represents an equally antidemocratic practice aimed at controlling journalists’ freedom of movement and expression. The systematic implementation of these measures, combined with increasing online censorship, appears to be replacing traditional detention as a method of silencing independent journalism.

Recent cases exemplify this pattern. While journalists are released under judicial control measures shortly after being detained, the arbitrary imposition of travel bans, house arrests and other restrictions continues to impede their ability to perform their professional duties effectively. These measures, originally intended as exceptional remedies to ensure judicial proceedings, are increasingly being weaponized to create a chilling effect on press freedom.

In light of these egregious violations of press freedom in Turkey, we urge the Turkish authorities to uphold the principles of justice, release the journalists subjected to arbitrary arrests and detentions, and safeguard the vital role of journalism in fostering debate on matters of public interest and democracy.

This statement was produced by IPI as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and candidate countries, funded by the European Commission.

Signed:

International Press Institute (IPI)
Association of European Journalists (International)
Association of European Journalists in Belgium (AEJ Belgium)
Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ Bulgaria)
Association of Journalists (GC)
Bulgarian Helsinki Committee
Catalan PEN
Center for Media, Information and Social Research of Georgia (CMIS)
Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ)
Danish PEN
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Freedom House
Foreign Media Association (FMA Turkey)
Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
IFEX
Index on Censorship
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Irish PEN/PEN na hEireann
Kurdish PEN
Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
Media and Migration Association (MMA)
Media Development Foundation (MDF)
Netgazeti / Batumelebi
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
OC Media
P24 Platform for Independent Journalism
Armãn PEN
PEN America
PEN Centre of Bosnia & Herzegovina
PEN Esperanto
PEN International
PEN Melbourne
PEN Norway
PEN Québec
PEN Sweden
PEN Türkiye
Progressive Journalists Association (PJA)
San Miguel PEN
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
Vietnamese Abroad PEN Centre
Yapay Gündem

Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI) ve aşağıda imzası bulunan basın özgürlüğü, ifade hürriyeti, insan hakları, basın meslek ve haber kuruluşları, Türkiye’de gazetecilere yönelik hak ihlallerinin son dönemde ciddi ölçüde artmasından endişe duyuyor. Keyfi tutuklamalar, gözaltılar, adli kontrol tedbirleri ve hapis cezaları, ülkedeki bağımsız medya, demokratik söylem ve temel insan hakları için varoluşsal bir tehdit oluşturuyor.

Türkiye, demokrasi ve insan haklarının yanı sıra, ifade ve basın özgürlüğünün korunmasına ilişkin uluslararası standartlara ve kendi anayasasında yer alan koruyucu hükümlere uygun hareket etmelidir.

2025 yılının Ocak ayında en az dokuz gazeteci tutuklandı, altı gazeteciye hapis cezası verildi, beş gazeteci gözaltına alındı, 23 gazeteci hakkında soruşturma başlatıldı ve bir gazeteci polis müdahalesiyle karşılaştı. İşte son bir ayda kaydedilen basın özgürlüğü ihlallerindeki endişe verici artışın kronolojisi (aşağıdaki liste temsili bir liste olup geçtiğimiz ayın tüm basın özgürlüğü ihlallerini yansıtmamaktadır):

• 2 Ocak’ta yetkililer, gazeteci Aslıhan Gençay hakkında Hatay’daki yolsuzluklarla ilgili haberlerinden dolayı soruşturma başlattı. Haberine erişim engeli getirilerek, dezenformasyon yasası da dahil olmak üzere birçok suçlama yöneltildi—bu durum araştırmacı gazeteciliği bastırma girişimi olarak görülüyor.
• 7 Ocak’ta Ankara Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı, Kobani davasının son duruşmasını takip eden 21 gazeteci hakkında soruşturma başlattı. Gazeteciler, izinsiz fotoğraf çektiği iddiasıyla para cezasıyla karşı karşıya—bu durum rutin dava haberlerinin suç unsuru haline getirilmesi anlamına geliyor.
• 17 Ocak’ta evlerine yapılan polis baskınıyla gözaltına alınan altı gazeteci – Reyhan Hacıoğlu, Necla Demir, Rahime Karvar, Vedat Örüç, Velat Ekin ve Ahmet Güneş – avukatlarına erişim de dahil olmak üzere temel yasal haklarından mahrum bırakıldılar ve 20 Ocak’ta ifadeleri alınmadan tutuklandılar. Yetkililerin tutuklama gerekçesi ise gazetecilerin meşru gazetecilik faaliyetleri oldu. (Ahmet Güneş 4 Şubat’ta tahliye edildi.)
• 21 Ocak’ta Rudaw TV muhabiri Rawin Sterk Yıldız, İstanbul Beyoğlu’nda bir gözaltı işlemini belgelerken gazeteci olduğunu açıkça belirtmesine rağmen polis müdahalesiyle karşılaştı.
• 23 Ocak’ta beş gazeteci – Yakup Çetin, Ahmet Memiş, Cemal Azmi Kalyoncu, Ünal Tanık, Yetkin Yıldız, Gökçe Fırat Çulhaoğlu – terörle ilgili yeniden yargılandıkları davada, somut deliller olmamasına rağmen, 2 yıldan 6 yıla kadar ağır hapis cezalarına çarptırıldı.
• 24 Ocak’ta gazeteci Eylem Babayiğit’in mesleki faaliyetlerinden dolayı tutuklanması, “örgüt üyeliği” suçlamasının keyfi kullanımını bir kez daha gözler önüne serdi.
• 28 Ocak’ta bir bilirkişi ile yapılan telefon görüşmesinin kaydını yayınladıkları gerekçesiyle gazeteciler Barış Pehlivan, Seda Selek ve Serhan Asker’in gözaltına alınması, kamuyu ilgilendiren haberlere getirilen kısıtlamalar konusunda endişe yarattı. Mahkeme, Seda Selek ve Serhan Asker’i adli kontrol şartıyla serbest bıraktı.
• 28 Ocak’ta T24 yazarı Şirin Payzın hakkında sosyal medya paylaşımları nedeniyle “terör propagandası” iddiasıyla soruşturma başlatılması, çevrimiçi paylaşımların suç unsuru sayılmasının endişe verici bir şekilde arttığını gösteriyor.
• 28 Ocak’ta JINNEWS’in eski haber müdürü gazeteci Safiye Alagaş terör suçlamalarıyla yargılandığı davada 6 yıl 3 ay hapis cezasına çarptırıldı. Alagaş daha önce bir yıl tutuklu yargılanmıştı, şu anda temyiz sürecini tutuksuz bekliyor.
• 29 Ocak’ta Halk TV Genel Yayın Yönetmeni Suat Toktaş, Program Koordinatörü Kürşad Oğuz ve gazeteci Barış Pehlivan, bir bilirkişi ile yapılan telefon görüşmesinin kaydını yayınladıkları gerekçesiyle gözaltına alındı. Pehlivan ve Oğuz adli kontrol şartıyla serbest bırakılırken Toktaş kaçma şüphesi ve delilleri karartma ihtimali gerekçe gösterilerek 30 Ocak’ta tutuklandı. Bu durum, keyfi tutuklama kriterlerinin endişe verici kullanımını gözler önüne serdi.

RTÜK’ün kararları basın özgürlüğünü tehdit ediyor

Türkiye’nin yayın düzenleyicisi RTÜK, eleştirel medya kuruluşlarını hedef alan endişe verici bir tutum sergilemeye devam ediyor. Gazetecilerin kayıtlı bir telefon görüşmesini yayınlamaları nedeniyle gözaltına alınmalarından hemen önce, RTÜK Başkanı konuyla ilgili medya kuruluşları ve gazeteciler için olası sonuçlar konusunda uyarıda bulundu – bu da yaklaşan gözaltı ve tutuklamaların sinyalini verdi. Açıklamasında, Halk TV’yi bir bilirkişi ile yapılan telefon görüşmesini izinsiz kaydetmek, yayınlamak ve devam eden yasal süreçleri etkilemeye çalışmakla eleştirdi.

Bu olay, eleştirel medya üzerindeki baskının devamını yansıtıyor. 2024’te RTÜK, çoğunluğu hükümeti eleştiren medyayı hedef alan, toplam 81,5 milyon Türk lirası para cezasıyla sonuçlanan 24 yayın yasağı uyguladı.

RTÜK’ün düzenleyici yetkilerini eleştirel medya kuruluşlarını cezalandırmak için sistematik şekilde kullanması, bağımsız yayıncılık ve Türkiye’deki medya çoğulculuğu noktasında ciddi endişeler uyandırıyor.

Yakın zamanda bir örnek olarak, 20 Ocak 2025’te Bolu’da meydana gelen ve 78 kişinin hayatını kaybettiği otel yangını sonrasında, RTÜK Başkanı medya kuruluşlarına yalnızca resmi kaynaklardan gelen bilgileri aktarmaları talimatını verdi. Bu talimatın hemen ardından, Bolu 2. Sulh Ceza Hakimliği, Bolu Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı’nın talebi üzerine felaketle ilgili haberler hakkında yayın yasağı getirdi.

Adli kontrol tedbirleri: Yeni bir sansür aracı

Cezaevindeki gazeteci sayısında bir düşüş görülse de, bu durum endişe verici bir gerçeği maskeliyor: Yurt dışı yasakları, düzenli imza verme zorunluluğu ve ev hapsi gibi adli kontrol tedbirleri basın özgürlüğünü kısıtlamanın alternatif araçları olarak kullanılıyor. Bu eğilim, gazetecilerin hareket ve ifade özgürlüğünü kontrol etmeyi amaçlayan eşit derecede antidemokratik bir uygulamayı temsil ediyor. Bu tedbirlerin sistematik olarak uygulanması ve artan çevrimiçi sansür, bağımsız gazeteciliği susturma yöntemi olarak geleneksel tutuklamanın yerini alıyor gibi görünüyor.

Son vakalar da bu durumu örnekliyor. Gazeteciler gözaltına alındıktan kısa süre sonra adli kontrol şartıyla serbest bırakılırken, keyfi olarak uygulanan yurt dışı yasakları, ev hapsi ve diğer kısıtlamalar, mesleki görevlerini etkili bir şekilde yerine getirmelerini engellemeye devam ediyor. Aslen yargı süreçlerini güvence altına almak için istisnai tedbirler olarak tasarlanan bu önlemler, basın özgürlüğü üzerinde caydırıcı bir etki yaratmak için kullanılıyor.

Basın özgürlüğüne yönelik bu ağır ihlaller karşısında, Türkiye’deki yetkilileri adalet ilkelerine bağlı kalmaya, keyfi gözaltı ve tutuklamaya maruz kalan gazetecileri serbest bırakmaya ve haberciliğin kamuyu ilgilendiren tartışmalar ve demokrasideki hayati rolünü korumaya çağırıyoruz.

Bu açıklama, Avrupa Komisyonu tarafından finanse edilen ve AB Üye Devletleri ile aday ülkelerdeki basın ve medya özgürlüğü ihlâllerini belgeleyen Avrupa çapında bir mekanizma olan Medya Özgürlüğü Acil Müdahale (MFRR) kapsamında Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI) tarafından hazırlanmıştır.

İmzalayanlar

Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI)
Avrupa Basın ve Medya Özgürlüğü Merkezi (ECPMF)
Avrupa Gazeteciler Birliği (AEJ)
Avrupa Gazeteciler Birliği – Belçika (AEJ Belçika)
Avrupa Gazeteciler Birliği – Bulgaristan (AEJ Bulgaristan)
Avrupa Gazeteciler Federasyonu (EFJ)
Bulgaristan Helsinki Komitesi
Çağdaş Gazeteciler Derneği (ÇGD)
Danimarka PEN
Freedom House
Gazeteciler Cemiyeti (GC)
Gazetecilikte Kadın Koalisyonu (CFWIJ)
Güney Doğu Avrupa Medya Örgütü (SEEMO)
Gürcistan Gazetecilik Etiği Bildirgesi (Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics)
Gürcistan Medya, Enformasyon ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Merkezi (CMIS)
IFEX
İrlanda PEN/PEN na hEireann
Katalan PEN
Kürt PEN
Medya Geliştirme Vakfı (MDF, Gürcistan)
Medya ve Göç Derneği (MGD)
Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği (MLSA)
Netgazeti / Batumelebi (Gürcistan)
OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)
OC Media
Armãn PEN
PEN Amerika
PEN Bosna Hersek
PEN Esperanto
PEN İsveç
PEN Melbourne
PEN Norveç
PEN Québec
PEN Türkiye
Punto24 Bağımsız Gazetecilik Derneği (P24)
San Miguel PEN
Sansür Endeksi (Index on Censorship)
Uluslararası Gazeteciler Federasyonu (IFJ)
Uluslararası PEN
Vietnamese Abroad PEN Centre
Yabancı Medya Derneği (FMA Turkey)
Yapay Gündem

Azerbaijan has intensified its crackdown on independent media, targeting journalists from Toplum TV (@Toplumtv1) (https://toplummedia.tv/) and other outlets with new charges and arrests. On 17 January 2025 journalist Farid Ismayilov (Fərid İsmayılov) working for Toplum TV was detained by the police and placed in pretrial custody until 6 April 2025. Authorities justified the detention by accusing him of violating previous police supervision conditions, though Ismayilov and his legal team denied these allegations. On 24 January 2025 the Baku Court of Appeals considered an appeal, but did not release the journalist.

This follows a broader pattern of repression, with Azerbaijani authorities filing six additional charges against Toplum TV journalists, including allegations of illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, tax evasion, and organizing crimes in collaboration with others. Previously, the charges carried a maximum penalty of eight years, the new charges increase the potential sentence to 12 years. The accusations are widely viewed as retaliation for Western donor funding and independent reporting, with Toplum TV staff denying any wrongdoing.

The situation escalated on 6 March 2024, when police raided Toplum TV’s offices and arrested nine journalists and activists affiliated with the outlet and its partner organization, the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (@idiazerbaijan) (https://idi-aze.org/). A case under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Law has been started against Ismailov. While some were later released under travel bans, several remain under legal scrutiny. Similarly, journalists from other independent outlets, such as Meydan TV (https://www.meydan.tv/en/) and Abzas Media (https://abzas.org/az/), face comparable charges. During this action allegedly according to the officials money was seized.

Azerbaijan has also targeted individual journalists. On 11 January 2025 authorities at Baku (Bakı), Azerbaijan, International Airport blocked journalist Khanim Mustafayeva (@khanimyashar) (Xanım Mustafayeva) from leaving the country, citing a travel ban without explanation. Days later, on 16 January 2025 Voice of America (https://www.voanews.com/) reporter Ulviyya Ali (Ülviyyə Əli) (@UlviyyaAli) was interrogated and informed of a similar ban, tied to allegations against Meydan TV.

Additional a trial started against Sevinj Vagif gizi Abbasova (Sevinj Vagifgizi), born 1989, and her colleagues. Sevinj reported also about allegedly violence at the Baku Investigation Detention Center. In January this year Ershad Ibrahimov from dunyaninsesi.az was sentenced to 8 years in prison

The Azerbaijani government has yet to respond to international criticism, and the judiciary has largely supported investigative authorities, further suppressing freedom of the press. Despite the repression, the journalists and their supporters continue to push back, advocating for transparency, justice, and accountability.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the ongoing crackdown on independent journalists and media outlets in Azerbaijan. These actions represent a severe attack on press freedom and aim to silence critical voices. SEEMO is particularly concerned about Ismayilov’s health, given his medical history, and calls for his immediate release along with all other unjustly detained journalists. SEEMO will closely monitor this situation and continue advocating for the protection of independent media in Azerbaijan.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #azerbaijan #toplumtv #FaridIsmayilov #meydantv #abzasmedia #KhanimMustafayeva #UlviyyaAli #journalistattack #journalistinjail #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Recent events in Serbia have raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom and the treatment of journalists. Two cases in particular those of Vojislava Crnjanski Spasojević, a journalist at one Serbian newspaper, and Milan Srdić, a correspondent for one Serbian television, highlight troubling patterns of censorship and professional retaliation against members of the media.

In Serbia, a wave of student protests erupted after the tragic collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad, Serbia, on 1 November 2024, which claimed 15 lives and injured two others. The demonstrations, led by students and supported by various societal groups like part of the teachers, actors, and lawyers, have expanded nationwide. The movement demands accountability, systemic reforms, and justice, criticizing a culture of nepotism, corruption, and lack of opportunities. Operating through direct democracy and innovative tactics, such as brief traffic blockades, the students emphasize solidarity and persistence. The protests symbolize a generational demand for a functional legal state, democracy, and a brighter future, rejecting complacency and systemic decay.

Vojislava Crnjanski Spasojević, a journalist with over 30 years of experience, was abruptly terminated from her position. According to Spasojević, the dismissal occurred a day after she posted a photo of herself attending a protest outside Serbia’s Constitutional Court in Belgrade, Serbia on her private Instagram account. This came just days after she publicly criticized publishing the private information of two students in the public.

Spasojević has reported very often on misuse of personal data, which made her deeply disturbed by the publication of the students’ passport details. She spoke out against the incident on her social media, an act she believes contributed to her sudden dismissal.

Spasojević also alleges that her dismissal was orchestrated without consulting her editors or the editorial board, raising questions about the motivations behind the decision. She suspects that her participation in the protest and her critique of unethical practices were the true reasons for her removal.

On other side, according to the media company, the official reason provided for her termination was the “cessation of the need for her position” due to “technological, economic, and organizational changes.”

On another case, Milan Srdić, born 1977, a TV correspondent in Novi Sad, Serbia, has also reported instances of professional interference and censorship. After delivering a live report following a tragic event in the city, Srdić claims he was prevented by his company from further reporting. Even when he was later allowed to file a story, significant portions of his work were altered or omitted.

Srdić noted that in one particular instance, a key interview with an opposition figure was heavily edited to diminish its impact. Despite his attempts to maintain journalistic balance by including perspectives from both the government and the opposition, his efforts were undermined. Additionally, he revealed that most of the materials collected by his team were only published on this television’s website, while minimal content were on TV. As Srdić published on his Facebook profile, after the tragedy on 1 November until 17 January instead of reporters from Novi Sad, the reports on the TV channel from Novi Sad were produced by journalists from Belgrade, or there were none, and some editors simply stopped talking to him.

Both cases highlight the challenges faced by Serbian journalists, who are increasingly vulnerable to dismissal, censorship, self-censorship, and other forms of professional retribution.

The implications of these actions extend far beyond the individuals involved, threatening the broader principles of transparency, accountability, and democracy. When journalists are silenced, it sends a chilling message to the entire profession and undermines public trust in the media.

As these cases unfold, they serve as stark reminders of the critical importance of protecting journalistic integrity and the right to report freely, even in the face of systemic pressures and retaliation.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will closely monitor the developments in Serbia and continue to advocate for the rights of journalists in Serbia.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #serbia #belgrade #novisad #vojislavacrnjanskispasojevic #milansrdic #journalistattack #napadnanovinare #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

23 January 2025: Press freedom partners call for release of Mzia Amaglobeli, end to crackdown on free press

The undersigned press freedom, journalists and human rights organisations call for the immediate release of veteran Georgian journalist and founder and director of the online newspapers Batumelebi and Netgazeti.
Amaglobeli, who announced to have been on hunger strike since January 20 after being abused while held in detention said “The charges against me today are the product of repressive, treacherous, and violent processes targeting humanity, freedom of speech, and expression.”

She faces charges of assaulting a police officer—carrying a sentence of up to seven years in prison—following an altercation with Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze.

Amaglobeli was first arrested on January 11 for an administrative offense after placing a sticker about an upcoming general strike on the wall at the entrance of a police station. She was released the following day and, while speaking with her supporters outside the police station, police began arresting several of them. This led to an altercation between Amaglobeli and Dgebuadze, during which Amaglobeli is accused of slapping Dgebuadze. She was then charged under Article 353(1) of the Georgian Criminal Code (“Assault on a police officer, a special penitentiary service employee, or another public official or institution”), a serious offense that can carry a punishment of 4 to 7 years in prison. On January 14, Amaglobeli was ordered to remain in pre-trial detention.

On January 15 Nona Kurdovanidze, Chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association—a respected Tbilisi-based human rights watchdog, stated that Dgebuadze spat in Amaglobeli’s face and denied her access to water and toilet facilities for an extended period. Two days later, Gyla revealed that the Special Investigation Service (SIS), a body responsible for investigating crimes committed by officials, had been aware of the ill-treatment allegations while Amaglobeli was held in custody. Kurdovanidze noted that the SIS received detailed information directly from the alleged victim.

On January 20, Amaglobeli announced a hunger strike. In a letter published by Netgazeti, she wrote: “ These processes have been unfolding over the past year and are embedding themselves into our daily lives as a dictatorship. I refuse to accept the regime’s agenda […]. Freedom is far more valuable than life, and it is at stake. Fight before it is too late.”

According to Transparency International Georgia, video footage of the incident shows that the slap lacked sufficient force to cause harm,” and therefore does not meet the threshold of seriousness required for charges under the criminal code.

Prior to Amaglobeli’s arrest, the editor-in-chief of Batumelebi, Eter Turadze, was harassed by Dgebuadze. Batumelebi has repeatedly reported on and exposed alleged human rights violations under Dgebuadze.

In a separate case, the Batumi City Court sentenced Guram Murvanidze, a camera operator and photographer with Batumelebi, to eight days of administrative detention. Murvanidze was detained by police on January 12 while covering a protest. The prosecution accused him of isobeying a lawful order from law enforcement officers.

We urge the Georgian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Amaglobeli and put an end to this unprecedented crackdown on the media. We furthermore demand a thorough investigation into the mistreatment she endured.

Signed:

International Press Institute (IPI)

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ)

IMS (International Media Support)

Media Diversity Institute (MDI)

Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (MDI WB)

PEN International

Civil Rights Defenders (CRD)

Kathy Kiely, Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies, Missouri School of Journalism

Society of Journalists (Warsaw)

IRMI – Institute for Regional Media and Information (Ukraine)

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)

According to The Press Project – TPP (https://thepressproject.gr/ – @thepressproject) portal, one individual convicted of fatal bodily harm resulting in the death of an activist, filed a lawsuit against Konstantinos Poulis (Κωνσταντίνος Πουλής), born 1973, for alleged “online defamation.” Poulis is journalist and editor-in-chief of TPP portal, but also a translator, actor and writer. The Press Project reported about this lawsuit on 16 January 2025.

The legal action, submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office in Athens (Αθήνα), Greece, accuses Poulis of defamation and misuse of personal data.

Poulis reported on the trial of this activist death, including the 2 October 2024 hearing where this individual plea for sentence suspension was denied. His reporting included a prosecutor’s courtroom remark, which became the headline of his article.

This person objected to Poulis’ characterization of him, claiming that a defamatory term was used. Poulis defended his reporting, stating the term accurately described this person’s behavior as corroborated by video evidence and court rulings. He also contested the inclusion of the prosecutor’s remark in the article, which led him to file a disciplinary complaint against the judicial officer. Poulis maintained that his reporting was a truthful account of the proceedings, stressing the public’s right to information on such cases.

In a related case, relatives of this person sued journalist Anna Nini (Άννα Νίνη), who is working for different media in Greece, including the 2011 founded media platform Omniatv ( https://omniatv.com/), for allegedly violating personal data protections. Nini had recorded and shared footage from a court session. Nini argued that the footage served public interest by exposing the volatility surrounding the trial and ensuring transparency. She also reported alleged verbal attacks on victim’s lawyers by convicted individual relatives following the verdict.

Both cases have raised concerns about freedom of the press in Greece, particularly regarding the use of legal actions to stifle critical reporting. Advocacy groups, including The Press Project, have highlighted the importance of documenting high-profile trials like this one to ensure accountability and transparency. More about The Press Project you can read online: https://thepressproject.gr/the-tpp-transparency-page/. TPP journalist Jenny Tsiropoulou has been awarded the VOICES environmental journalism award for her report, “Offer water to your food delivery man: The climate crisis is worsening labor rights as well”. The award will be presented during the European Festival of Journalism & Media Literacy

The legal challenges against Poulis and Nini come amid broader scrutiny of press freedom in Greece, reinforcing calls for stronger safeguards to protect journalists from harassment and intimidation in their pursuit of truth and justice.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will closely monitor the situation and calls on Greek authorities to ensure that journalists can work without fear of legal harassment or reprisals, reaffirming the importance of protecting media freedoms in democratic societies.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #greece #athens #KonstantinosPoulis #AnnaNini #ThePressProject #OmniaTV #journalistattacke #journalistontrial #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 10 January 2025, a court in Kulob / Khatlon (Кӯлоб), in the Khatlon Region in southern of the Republic of Tajikistan (Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон), sentenced Ahmad Ibrohim (Ахмад Иброхим), 63 years old, the editor-in-chief and founder of the paper Payk (Пайк), to a 10-year prison term. He was convicted on charges of bribery, extortion, and extremism in a closed-door trial held at the city’s pretrial detention center. The case was classified as secret, leaving many details unknown to the public.

Ibrohim’s arrest in August 2024 followed accusations of bribing a state security officer. However, his supporters and international observers, including Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ – https://cpj.org/) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF- https://rsf.org/en), have labeled the charges as retaliatory. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL – https://www.ozodi.org/) suspicions that the arrest was a setup, with claims that prosecutors pressured local officials to testify against him. Despite these efforts, none of the witnesses reportedly confirmed the allegations of extortion.

In a letter to Rustam Emomali (Рустам Эмомали), Chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan, Mayor of Dushanbe and the eldest son of Emomali Rahmon (Эмомали Раҳмон), President of Tajikistan, Ibrohim denied the accusations. He emphasized his lifelong opposition to extremism and dismissed the extremism charge as baseless, noting his extensive work exposing radical groups. Ibrohim, also an author of six novels, described the charges as a personal vendetta orchestrated by local authorities in response to his critical reporting.

Payk, founded 2012, the only critical newspaper in the Khatlon Province (Вилояти Хатлон), Tajikistan, has faced increasing pressure over the years, with authorities often targeting it for its investigative reporting. After Ibrohim’s arrest, the publication ceased operations. The Ministry of Culture previously revoked Payk’s license. According to state investigators, Ibrohim offered allegedly an employee of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) / Кумитаи давлатии амнияти миллии Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон a bribe of 2,000 TJS (around 177 EUR) for help in obtaining a license. Additional he was also accused of extortion and extremism.

Ibrohim’s case highlights the broader suppression of independent media in Tajikistan. Over the past decade, the government has systematically dismantled press freedom, leaving few platforms for dissent. In recent years, numerous journalists have been sentenced including with several years prison charge. In the fight against independent media the state used in the past tax fines or media management faced criminal charges. The sentence has drawn widespread criticism, with advocates urging Tajik authorities to release Ibrohim and other journalists imprisoned on politically motivated charges.

This incident reflects the escalating challenges faced by journalists in Tajikistan, where investigative reporting is increasingly treated as a threat to state power.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the harsh 10-year prison sentence handed to journalist Ahmad Ibrohim, editor-in-chief of Payk, following a closed-door trial on dubious charges of bribery, extortion, and extremism. This unjust verdict is a blatant attack on press freedom and serves as yet another alarming example of Tajikistan’s ongoing suppression of independent journalism. SEEMO calls on Tajik authorities to immediately release Ibrohim, along with other detained journalists, and to cease the persecution of media professionals who play a vital role in holding power to account. SEEMO will continue to monitor this case closely and advocate for the protection of press freedom in Tajikistan.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #tajikistan #AhmadIbrohim #Payk #journalistdetained #journalistinjail #jailedjournalist #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Journalists covering the raid by some opposition members of parliaments and councilors on the City Hall in Novi Sad, Serbia, on 17 January 2025 reported of alleged threats and physical aggression by Serbian police and Gendarmerie, raising serious concerns about press freedom and public safety.

Dragana Prica (@novosadskaprica) working for Radio 021 (https://www.021.rs/), a local radio station in Novi Sad, Serbia and Ksenija Pavkov working for N1 Television (https://n1info.rs/), a 24-hour cable news channel from Belgrade, Serbia, were allegedly forcibly dragged by the arms and shoulders and pushed out of the building, even after repeatedly showing their press cards. Aleksandar Latas (@TeodorTiranin), a journalist for Danas daily (https://www.danas.rs/) from Belgrade, was allegedly threatened by a policeman, while TV Nova S (https://nova.rs/) cameraman Darko Eker was allegedly pulled by his backpack containing equipment. Journalist Žarko Bogosavljević (@zarkobns) was allegedly physically knocked to the ground during his reporting from the protest.

All happened during broader protests and institutional blockades across Serbia, following the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad that claimed 15 lives on 1 November 2025. Despite their critical role in documenting such events, media workers have faced obstruction and intimidation from authorities.

The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (Nezavisno udruženje novinara Srbije – NUNS- IJAS – https://nuns.rs/) and the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (Nezavisno društvo novinara Vojvodine – NDNV – IJAV – https://ndnv.org/) have condemned these actions, highlighting the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ failure to protect journalists and the public interest. Instead of ensuring safe and unhindered reporting, police forces appear to have acted on directives to prevent media workers from carrying out their duties.

Serbian state Institutions are reminded of their obligation to respect press freedom, which is fundamental in any democratic society. Any use of force against journalists not only undermines their rights but is a direct assault on the freedom and safety of all citizens.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the unacceptable actions of Serbian police and Gendarmerie in Novi Sad, where journalists were threatened, physically assaulted, and obstructed while reporting on the opposition’s City Hall break-in. These acts, including dragging reporters out despite valid press identification and using force to hinder their work, represent severe violations of press freedom and democratic principles. SEEMO calls on Serbian authorities, including the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia to ensure the safety of all journalists, hold accountable those responsible for these violations, and uphold the fundamental right to independent reporting in the public interest.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #serbia #novisad #novas #radio021 #n1 #DraganaPrica #ksenijapavkov #aleksandarlatas #danas #napadnanovinare #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Nurgeldi Halykov (Nurgeldi Halykow), a correspondent for the independent news platform Turkmen.news (https://en.turkmen.news/), registered in the Netherlands, was barred from traveling out of the country by the police in Aşgabat / Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan.

On 12 January 2025 Halykov was prevented from boarding a flight abroad at Ashgabat International Airport. He was detained and interrogated at the airport for several hours. Halykov’s luggage underwent multiple checks and invasive questioning about his travel plans and personal history. Officials cited no legal basis for their actions, leaving Halykov to seek answers from Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service, which has yet to provide clarity. He was informed of a “temporary travel ban” without further explanation.

Halykov had recently resumed life outside prison after serving a four-year sentence on fabricated fraud charges widely believed to be retaliation for his critical journalistic work. He was arrested 2020.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the travel ban imposed on journalist Nurgeldi Halykov by Turkmen authorities, a clear act of retaliation against his work and an infringement on his fundamental rights. Preventing Halykov from leaving the country without any legal justification is a blatant attempt to suppress independent journalism and restrict his freedom of movement and livelihood. SEEMO urges Turkmen authorities to immediately lift the travel ban and cease all forms of harassment against media professionals. We will closely monitor this situation and continue advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists in Turkmenistan.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #turkmenistan #NurgeldiHalykov #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia