DFG: 5 journalists were jailed in February, bringing the number of journalists behind bars to 30

The Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) published its February report on press freedom violations. 

The report states that journalists’ right to life, safety, and freedom of expression are under serious threat in Turkey. It noted that with the arrest of five journalists in February, the total number of imprisoned journalists has risen to 30.

According to the report, during a raid on the Etkin Haber Ajansı (ETHA), the agency’s door was broken down, the office was entered, equipment was confiscated, and four of the five journalists taken into custody were arrested.

The report also said that journalist Alican Uludağ was arrested over his news reports and social media posts. Toward the end of the month, three journalists, including Kenan Şener, Editor-in-Chief of ANKA, were detained while covering activity at İncirlik Air Base.

The report further drew attention to violations in prisons, stating that journalist Ali Barış Kurt, who was due for release, was not freed following a decision by the Prison Administration and Observation Board.

Additionally, it was reported that in February, six journalists were physically attacked, 11 were detained, police raided the homes of six journalists, and many journalists were fined.

According to the report, the media watchdog RTÜK imposed administrative fines on two broadcasters and issued 10 broadcast bans. Access was blocked to 31 news articles, and 272 social media posts were restricted. Trials of 45 journalists in 30 separate cases are ongoing.