Six Ways Turkey’s Press Is Under Pressure

In a special report, “Democracy in Crisis: Corruption, Media, and Power in Turkey,” Freedom House documents the links between government pressure on journalists, publishers and media groups, and Turkey’s democratic crisis.

1. Intimidation

commons.wikimedia.org / Via World Economic Forum

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan frequently criticizes journalists by name for their critical commentary. In several well-known cases, like those of Hasan Cemal and Nuray Mert, journalists have lost their jobs after these public attacks.

2. Mass Firings

upload.wikimedia.org / Via Erdem Civelek

At least 59 journalists were fired or forced out in retaliation for their coverage of last summer’s Gezi Park protests. A corruption scandal that surfaced in December has produced another string of firings.

3. Buying Off or Forcing Out Media Moguls

Via ATV Facebook Page

Holding companies sympathetic to the government receive billions of dollars in government contracts, often through government bodies housed in the prime minister’s office. Companies with media outlets critical of the government have been targets of tax investigations, forced to pay large fines, and are likely disadvantaged in public tenders.

4. Wiretapping

en.wikipedia.org / Via David Drexler

The National Security Organization has wiretapped journalists covering national security stories, using false names on the warrants in order to avoid judicial scrutiny.

5. Imprisonment

Flickr: farrokhi / Via Babak Farrokhi

Turkey continues to be the world’s worst jailer of journalists. Dozens of reporters remain imprisoned under broadly defined anti-terrorism laws. A majority of those in prison are Kurds. Some analysts believe the government is using them as bargaining chips in negotiations with the Kurdish PKK.

6. Government Interference

Via hurriyetdailynews.com

The government has asked newspapers and even a member of parliament to take down articles they wrote about the recent high-profile graft scandal.