In its monthly report for August, the Amed (tr. Diyarbakır)-based Dicle Fırat Journalists’ Association (DFG) denounced ongoing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey. According to the organization, at least 33 media professionals are currently in prison.
The report also documents a number of other incidents: four journalists were prosecuted in the past month, two were obstructed in their work, and two others were threatened. In addition, the office of the left-wing daily newspaper Evrensel in Izmir was the target of an armed attack.
The DFG report highlights the increasing number of access restrictions on the internet. According to the report, Kurdish and opposition media outlets such as Ajansa Welat, Xwebûn, Yeni Yaşam, and the social media accounts of the ANF and ETHA agencies were among those affected. A total of 32 websites, seven article links, and 43 social media accounts were blocked in August. The LGBTIQ+ media outlet Kaos GL was also affected by a block.
The Turkish media regulator RTÜK also imposed five program interruptions and a five-day broadcasting ban on the opposition channel Tele1. Eight publications were affected by advertising cuts, and 13 journalists lost their jobs.
Remarking that attacks on the press continue unabated, DFG saluted the International Day of Peace on September 1 and said journalists have a duty to raise awareness of the fight for peace and freedom.