Turkish authorities have carried out a raid on the offices of BirGün, a left-leaning independent newspaper. Three senior figures from birgun.net, Publishing Coordinators Uğur Koç and Berkant Gültekin, along with birgun.net Responsible Manager Yaşar Gökdemir, have been detained.
The official reason given for their detention is “targeting individuals involved in counter-terrorism efforts,” a charge often invoked under Turkey’s strict anti-terror laws. The detentions of BirGün journalists are only the latest in a string of arrests targeting the opposition’s political figures and journalists in recent months.
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Arrests follow report on prosecutor’s meeting
The arrests took place shortly after BirGün reported on a meeting between Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek and representatives of Sabah, a pro-government newspaper. The visit was also covered by Sabah itself, but BirGün’s reporting on the event appears to have drawn scrutiny.
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Journalists taken from their homes without prior summons
Koç, Gültekin, and Gökdemir were taken directly from their homes by police and transported to Istanbul’s Vatan Police Headquarters, rather than being summoned for questioning. Reports suggest they were initially denied access to their lawyers. It is unclear at this time when the journalists will be formally questioned.
BirGün vows to continue
Commenting on the arrests, BirGün Publishing Coordinator Yaşar Aydın condemned the detentions as an attack on press freedom, stating:
“The first step in silencing all opposition is harsh intervention against the media. We will not surrender to this—we will continue on the path we believe to be right.”
BirGün legal council, Gizemsu Kiracı, confirmed that the journalists were detained under Article 6 of Turkey’s Anti-Terror Law; exposing the identities of individuals involved in counter-terrorism operations. However, she noted that the case appears to be related to BirGün quoting a news report originally published by Sabah.
Opposition politicians condemn the arrests
The detentions drew wide condemnation from opposition figures. The chair of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, denounced the move on social media, calling it “an unprecedented disgrace.” He wrote:
“Trying to fabricate a crime out of this is a sign of desperation. Journalists must be released immediately.”
CHP Spokesperson Deniz Yücel questioned the legal basis for the detentions, asking: “What does it mean to arrest and imprison journalists for doing their job?”
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Meanwhile, CHP’s Istanbul Chairperson Özgür Çelik declared:
“Journalism is not a crime. Journalists who bravely write the truth are not alone.”
Saruhan Oluç, a senior figure in the pro-Kurdish Democracy and Equality (DEM) Party, also condemned the arrests, calling them “unacceptable.” He likened the current situation to the era following Turkey’s 1980 military coup, when severe restrictions were placed on the press.”We express our solidarity with our colleagues and call for their immediate release,” he said.
Protests planned in Istanbul
Press freedom organizations, trade unions, political party representatives, and BirGün readers are set to hold a protest against the detentions at 3:00 PM on February 9 in Istanbul’s Şişhane Square. The Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS) issued a statement condemning the arrests, saying:
“You will not intimidate us by detaining our colleagues in the middle of the night over a report that should not even be subject to an investigation.”
Turkey’s press freedom
Turkey has faced increasing criticism for its treatment of journalists in recent years. The country ranks among the world’s top jailers of media professionals, with press freedom advocates warning that anti-terror legislation is frequently used to suppress critical reporting.
This latest incident adds to growing concerns about the state of independent journalism in Turkey ahead of upcoming local elections.
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