A press freedom organization has strongly criticized Turkey for using digital censorship against journalists in exile. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned this practice, stating that it is part of a broader crackdown on exiled journalists. The RSF highlighted that at least five reporters faced online censorship in Turkey in 2025, with four of them potentially facing unjust prison sentences due to prolonged legal battles.
The RSF representative in Turkey, Erol Onderoglu, emphasized the challenges faced by journalists in exile, who are not only fighting legal cases but also dealing with targeted censorship of their social media accounts. Onderoglu urged Turkish authorities to stop discrediting and excluding media professionals from the online news space, which hampers access to reliable information for people in Turkey. The RSF expressed worry over the systematic intimidation of journalists by the Turkish government, extending beyond the country’s borders.
In 2025, the Turkish government intensified digital censorship against several exiled media professionals, labeling them as adversaries. Among those targeted were prominent figures like Can Dundar, Metin Cihan, Amberin Zaman, Erk Acarer, and Hayko Bagdat. The RSF criticized the crackdown on these journalists, highlighting that their alleged offenses were related to journalistic activities, such as reporting on sensitive topics and criticizing President Erdogan’s policies.
