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In a significant push to protect press freedom in Turkey, the Committee to Protect Journalists has joined forces with 20 other international organizations to call for the repeal of the country’s controversial disinformation law, citing its increasingly problematic application against media professionals.
The coalition’s statement, released yesterday, highlights growing concerns about how Turkish authorities have weaponized the law to target journalists and curtail legitimate reporting. Since its implementation in October 2022, the legislation has become a powerful instrument for suppressing critical media voices in a country already struggling with press freedom issues.
“Turkey’s disinformation law has proven to be exactly what we feared – a mechanism to criminalize journalism under the guise of combating fake news,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator. “The pattern of enforcement we’re seeing demonstrates that this law isn’t about protecting truth but about controlling the narrative.”
The controversial legislation, officially known as the “Amendment to the Press Law and Some Other Laws,” introduced criminal penalties for spreading “false or misleading information” that could disturb “public peace” or create “fear and panic” among the population. Its vague wording has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates since its inception.
Statistics compiled by the coalition reveal that at least 28 journalists have faced criminal investigation under Article 217/A of the law. Of these cases, eight have proceeded to trial, with two journalists already receiving convictions. Sinan Aygül became the first journalist convicted under the law in December 2022, receiving a 10-month prison sentence that was later suspended.
Turkey’s media landscape has experienced significant deterioration over the past decade. The country currently ranks 165th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index, placing it among the world’s most restrictive environments for journalists. This decline has coincided with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s consolidation of power, particularly following the failed coup attempt in 2016.
“What makes this law particularly insidious is its chilling effect,” explained Emma Sinclair-Webb, Turkey director for Human Rights Watch, one of the signatories of the joint statement. “Journalists are increasingly self-censoring to avoid prosecution, leaving critical stories unreported and the public uninformed.”
The economic impact of these restrictions has been substantial for Turkey’s media sector. Independent outlets struggle financially as advertisers avoid association with platforms that might draw government scrutiny. Several international media companies have scaled back operations in the country, citing the difficult regulatory environment.
The law’s implementation has attracted criticism from major international bodies. The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey’s EU accession progress specifically mentioned the disinformation law as a significant setback for media freedom and a departure from European standards. The Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters, similarly expressed concern about the law’s compatibility with European human rights standards.
Turkish officials have defended the legislation as necessary to combat what they describe as deliberate misinformation campaigns against the government. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç recently stated that the law “protects citizens from harmful false information while maintaining respect for legitimate journalism,” though critics argue the government’s application of the law contradicts this claim.
The coalition’s statement emphasizes that the law violates Turkey’s obligations under international human rights agreements, including Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects freedom of expression.
As Turkey approaches municipal elections in 2024, press freedom advocates worry the disinformation law could be deployed more aggressively against journalists covering politically sensitive topics. The coalition has urged international diplomatic pressure on Turkey to repeal the law and release any journalists detained under its provisions.
“This isn’t just about protecting journalists—it’s about preserving the public’s right to information,” said CPJ’s Said. “A society without access to independent reporting cannot make informed decisions about its future.”
The coalition includes prominent organizations such as Article 19, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, the International Press Institute, and PEN International, representing a unified global voice against what they view as a systematic attempt to silence independent media in Turkey.
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10 Comments
Concerning to see how Turkey is using this ‘disinformation’ law to target journalists and curb press freedom. Cracking down on critical reporting under the guise of combating ‘fake news’ is a worrying trend we’ve seen in many countries. Reaffirms the need for strong protections for a free and independent media.
This disinformation law in Turkey seems like a blatant attempt to crack down on independent media and restrict press freedom. Criminalizing journalism under the guise of fighting ‘fake news’ is a disturbing trend we’ve seen in many countries. I hope the international pressure leads to positive change.
The use of this disinformation law to suppress journalism in Turkey is deeply concerning. Authorities should be protecting press freedom, not using the law as a tool to criminalize reporting and silence dissent. I hope this international pressure leads to a repeal of the legislation.
This law seems like a blatant attempt by Turkish authorities to restrict media and control the narrative. Criminalizing journalism in the name of fighting disinformation is a dangerous path that undermines democratic principles. I hope CPJ’s efforts to repeal this legislation are successful.
I agree, the pattern of enforcement described is very troubling. Weaponizing laws against critical reporting is a tactic used by many authoritarian regimes to silence dissent and maintain power.
It’s concerning to see how this law has been weaponized against journalists in Turkey. Controlling the narrative and suppressing dissent through legal means is a classic tactic of authoritarian regimes. I hope the CPJ’s efforts lead to a repeal of this unjust legislation.
Turkey’s disinformation law is deeply troubling. Silencing critical media voices and criminalizing journalism is a direct threat to democracy. I hope the international community continues to apply pressure until this legislation is repealed and press freedoms are fully restored.
Turkey’s disinformation law is a worrying development for press freedom and democratic values. Weaponizing legislation to target critical journalists and control the narrative is unacceptable. I commend the CPJ and other organizations for their efforts to have this law repealed.
It’s crucial that Turkey upholds press freedom and allows journalists to report without fear of repercussions. This disinformation law appears to be a thinly veiled excuse to crack down on independent media – a worrying development for democratic values. I hope the international pressure leads to its repeal.
Journalists play a vital role in holding governments accountable and exposing the truth. This law in Turkey seems designed to undermine that essential function under the guise of fighting ‘fake news.’ I’m glad to see groups like CPJ pushing back against this authoritarian overreach.