EU Expresses Concern Over Media Crackdown in Turkey

One day after reports emerged about the closure of over 130 print, visual, and audio media outlets in Turkey, the European Union and the International Federation of Journalists expressed their concerns on Thursday regarding the widespread media repression in the country, urging Ankara to respect fundamental freedoms. According to the Associated Press, Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for the EU, stated that Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership, must implement the highest possible democratic standards, including media freedom. Following the failed coup on July 15 that left at least 290 dead, the Turkish government began a widespread crackdown on those allegedly linked to Fethullah Gülen, a religious figure and opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan residing in the U.S. The Turkish government accuses Gülen of orchestrating the failed coup, which he denies. The Associated Press reports that the Turkish government has so far detained 16,000 people in connection with the failed coup. The report adds that since then, over 66,000 individuals in various government institutions, including the military, judiciary, ministries, municipalities, universities, Turkish Airlines, and health sectors, have been suspended or dismissed on charges of links to the Gülen movement. Maja Kocijancic stated that it is concerning that following the declaration of a state of emergency in Turkey, arrest warrants have been issued for a large number of journalists, and several media outlets have also been shut down. The EU spokesperson added that it is crucial for Turkish officials to respect the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms under any circumstances. In response to this criticism, Turkey has previously stated that the aim of these detentions is to eliminate the roots of the Gülen movement and prevent a repeat coup. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Journalists has also stated that conditions in Turkey have reached a point where local media are resorting to self-censorship out of fear of arrest, resulting in increased human rights violations, including freedom of expression and the right to know for citizens. The International Federation of Journalists claims that the European Federation of Journalists has called for necessary actions to hold President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accountable for violating press freedom. Reuters reported yesterday, citing the Turkish television network CNN Türk, that three news agencies, 16 television channels, 23 radio stations, and 45 newspapers have also been closed. The television network had previously reported that Turkish authorities issued arrest warrants for 47 more journalists in the country. These journalists had worked for the newspaper Zaman, which was shut down in March. Previously, arrest warrants had been issued for 42 Turkish journalists. In this context, Turkish officials have dismissed hundreds of military personnel and closed over 130 media outlets.