Journalist Sentenced for Earthquake Reporting in Turkey, Highlighting Press Freedom Concerns
Istanbul, Turkey – A Turkish court has delivered a 10-month suspended sentence to journalist Yüsra Batıhan for her reporting on the devastating February 2023 earthquakes. Batıhan, who contributed to the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya news agency, was found guilty of "disturbing public order" under Article 217 of the Turkish Penal Code, a charge often leveled against journalists critical of the government. Her reporting detailed alleged mismanagement of the disaster relief efforts, including claims of unrecorded burials and seizure of aid supplies. This case has sparked international concern regarding the state of press freedom in Turkey, particularly in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
The February 6th earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.8 and 7.5 respectively, caused widespread destruction across 11 provinces in southern and southeastern Turkey, resulting in over 53,000 fatalities and displacing millions. Amidst the devastation, stories of miraculous rescues emerged, offering glimmers of hope. However, these narratives often overshadowed the systemic failures and governmental inadequacies that exacerbated the disaster’s impact. Journalists like Batıhan, who attempted to report on these critical issues, faced immense pressure and censorship.
Batıhan’s lawyer, Onur Ardık, confirmed their intention to appeal the verdict. The conviction relates to Batıhan’s reporting on the alleged burial of earthquake victims without proper documentation and the confiscation of aid provided by a pro-Kurdish political party. These reports, also shared on Batıhan’s social media, were deemed by the court to constitute “disseminating misleading information” capable of inciting public unrest. Her case highlights the increasing limitations on reporting within Turkey, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics such as disaster relief and Kurdish issues.
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) has documented a pattern of censorship and repression targeting journalists covering the earthquake aftermath. This includes a nine-hour shutdown of Twitter, a platform crucial for disseminating information during the crisis. Moreover, several journalists reporting from the affected areas were detained, with at least two facing arrest and 18 others under investigation for purportedly spreading misinformation. This crackdown on the press effectively stifled independent reporting and limited public access to crucial information about the disaster and its management.
The Turkish government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has faced consistent international criticism for its tightening grip on media freedoms. This intensified following the 2016 coup attempt, which the government used as justification to close down hundreds of media outlets and imprison numerous journalists accused of links to the coup plotters. Critics argue that these actions were a pretext to silence dissenting voices and consolidate power. This environment of fear and intimidation has made it increasingly difficult for journalists to report objectively, especially on sensitive issues that could be construed as criticizing the government.
The conviction of Yüsra Batıhan is just the latest example of the precarious situation facing journalists in Turkey. The country’s ranking as 158th out of 180 in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index underscores the severity of the situation. Journalists who dare to criticize the government risk losing their jobs, facing legal harassment, or even imprisonment. The ongoing suppression of press freedom within Turkey impedes the free flow of information, undermines democratic accountability, and silences crucial voices that hold power to account. International organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the release of imprisoned journalists and a return to respect for press freedom in the country.