A Turkish court has acquitted four journalists who were accused of participating in an allegedly unlawful demonstration in Istanbul while covering the event earlier this year. The ruling, issued Thursday morning, found no evidence that the media workers committed any offenses, marking a significant victory for press freedom in Turkey.
Who Were Acquitted
The journalists cleared by the court include:
- Yasin Akgul, a photographer with AFP news agency
- Ali Onur Tosun, reporter with Turkish broadcaster NOW Haber
- Freelance journalists Bulent Kilic and Zeynep Kuray
In addition, Turkiye’s Hurriyet Daily News reported that three other journalists facing similar charges were also acquitted.
Background: The Istanbul Protests
The arrests occurred in March 2025 amid mass protests triggered by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a vocal critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The journalists, along with thousands of demonstrators, were accused of violating Turkiye’s Law 2911 on meetings and demonstrations—a legal framework critics say is often used to suppress peaceful protests.
Supporters of Law 2911 argue that it is necessary to maintain public order and regulate assemblies that disrupt movement or violate security regulations. However, international rights groups have frequently criticized its use to restrict media coverage and civil liberties.
International and Media Reactions
AFP, which had called for Akgul’s acquittal throughout the trial, hailed the verdict as a victory for press freedom. Phil Chetwynd, AFP’s global news director, stated:
“AFP welcomes the acquittal of Yasin Akgul and his colleagues. This case against photographers doing their job on the streets of Istanbul should never have been brought. Journalists must be allowed to cover demonstrations and protests unhindered.”
Media rights organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also welcomed the decision, describing the charges against the journalists as “unlawful.”
Statements from Yasin Akgul
AFP photographer Yasin Akgul spoke about the relief of being cleared and his commitment to continue reporting:
“Now that the psychological strain of the trial process and my difficulty in focusing are gone, I will continue on my path with even more reporting. The right decision has been made. I hope that other journalists who are still inside will also be freed as soon as possible.”
Press Freedom in Turkey
This case highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom and media independence in Turkey. Journalists covering protests, political events, or government criticism have frequently faced arrests or legal threats. The acquittal of Akgul and his colleagues is seen by advocates as a positive step toward protecting journalists’ rights to report without fear of prosecution.
Key Takeaways
- Four journalists, including AFP’s Yasin Akgul, were acquitted of charges related to protest coverage in Istanbul.
- Arrests stemmed from Law 2911, which regulates public assemblies and demonstrations.
- The trial sparked international criticism over press freedom restrictions in Turkey.
- AFP and RSF praised the court’s decision as a victory for journalists’ rights.
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