Freedom of press

Turkish Journalist Jailed Over Writing 'Erdoğan has Passed Away'

Is Turkey's disinformation law a necessary shield against chaos or a weapon being used to silence journalists?

16 hours ago·Updated 8 hours ago

Turkish Journalist Jailed Over Writing 'Erdoğan has Passed Away'

Story

Above: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Sept. 1, 2026. Image credit: Utku Ucrak/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Spin

Government-critical narrative

Turkey's disinformation law is a weapon against journalism. A reporter was jailed just because a local woman who died happened to share a surname with the president, while dozens more are being unjustifiably imprisoned for doing their job. If Turkey wants to be considered a respected nation, it must repeal Article 217/A and win the public argument through discussion, not suppression.

Amnesty International Committee to Protect Journalists

Pro-government narrative

Turkey faces more disinformation pressure than almost any country on earth, with the country's disinformation law a necessary, targeted response to real threats against public order. The law clearly targets those who spread false information with the sole intent of causing fear or panic instead of routine journalism. Western double standards on regulating digital platforms expose the hypocrisy in condemning Turkey's efforts.

Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Directorate of Communications