Turkey

Over the past year, the climate for free expression in Turkey—already under sustained threat—has dramatically deteriorated. Following an attempted coup in July 2016 against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish government declared a state of emergency. Alongside a purging of academics and teachers, dozens of journalists, writers, and activists have been arrested and more than 180 news outlets have been shut down by presidential decree. Turkey now jails the most journalists in the world, with more than 150 behind bars. PEN America’s advocacy in Turkey since the coup has centered on writers and journalists who are in detention or facing unjust charges, and those dealing with extended court cases, travel bans, or other restrictions on movement or expression.
Featured Cases
Recent Developments
13-month Prison Sentence for Pelin Ünker A Brazen Assault on Investigative Journalism
“Pelin Ünker’s conviction and sentencing is a travesty, and represents yet another blow to the ability of Turkish investigative journalists to work freely,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Director of Free Expression at Risk Programs… More
Press Release
Turkish Court Assigns Life Sentences to Journalists Ahmet and Mehmet Altan and Nazli Ilicak
These sentences are an egregious violation of the rights of Ahmet, Mehmet, and Nazli. Today's verdict serves as incontrovertible evidence of the severe erosion of Turkey's democracy, demonstrates that… More
Press Release
Threat of Prison Sentence for Two Turkish Filmmakers Marks Another Blow to Free Expression in Turkey
“The campaign of intimidation against Çayan Demirel and Ertuğrul Mavioğlu and the criminalization of their work is an egregious violation of human rights, and yet another example of the… More
Press Release
Turkish Courts Set to Begin Hearings of Purged Dissidents in Academia
The continued targeting of academics in Turkey sends a chilling signal on freedom of thought and expression in institutions of higher education. More
Press Release
Detention of Publisher Osman Kavala Evidence of Erosion of Liberties in Turkey
Holding Osman Kavala is indicative of a movement to silence dissent and the supporters of the kinds of cultural institutions associated with free societies. More
Press Release
Sentencing of Wall Street Journal Reporter in Turkey for Spreading “Terrorist Propaganda” a Further Deterioration of Press Freedom
The unfounded and wrongful conviction of Ayla Albayrak represents a growing trend in the Turkish government's suppression of journalistic freedoms. More
Press Release