On Working Journalists’ Day, the International Press Institute (IPI) stands in solidarity with journalists in Turkey who continue to serve the public interest despite mounting pressures and risks.
This year’s observance takes place amid serious concern for journalists’ safety and rights. IPI recalls the killing of journalist and environmental activist Hakan Tosun, who died in October 2025 following a violent assault in Istanbul. The prolonged and opaque nature of the investigation, as well as the lack of clear diligence by authorities, is deeply worrying. Attacks against journalists must be investigated promptly, independently, and transparently, as delays and inaction contribute to a broader climate of impunity.
Throughout 2025, press freedom in Turkey continued to deteriorate in an increasingly restrictive political environment. Journalists were frequently subjected to arrest, detention, prosecution, and other forms of judicial pressure for carrying out routine reporting on matters of public interest, including corruption, court proceedings, protests, and political developments. Legal measures, coupled with digital restrictions and threats, have further narrowed the space for independent journalism.
At the same time, independent and critical media outlets continue to face mounting financial and regulatory pressure. Many outlets operate under severe economic strain, exacerbated by punitive fines, programme suspensions, and broadcast bans imposed by Turkey’s broadcast regulator. These measures, overwhelmingly targeting critical broadcasters, further undermine the sustainability of independent media and contribute to an environment in which space for pluralistic and dissenting journalism is increasingly diminished.
In parallel, the closure of media outlets, the appointment of state trustees, and changes to ownership structures have also led to widespread dismissals, forcing many journalists out of their jobs.
Despite these challenges, journalists across the country have continued to work with professionalism and determination, providing the public with critical information under difficult conditions. Their commitment to accurate reporting and accountability remains indispensable to democratic society.
On this Working Journalists’ Day, IPI expresses its solidarity with journalists in Turkey and acknowledges their resilience. IPI calls on Turkish authorities to take meaningful steps to ensure journalists’ safety, uphold their commitments under international law, and create an environment in which independent journalism can be practised freely and without fear.
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.
