ISTANBUL, July 17 — Turkish prosecutors have finalized an indictment against prominent journalist and TV host Fatih Altaylı, seeking a prison sentence of no less than five years on charges of “threatening the President.”
According to CNN Türk, the case stems from comments Altaylı made during a program broadcast on his YouTube channel, which authorities claim contained threatening language directed at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The investigation, launched by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office, began on June 20, 2025, following the airing of the controversial episode. Altaylı was detained the next day, on June 21.
Altaylı, 62, is a veteran of Turkish media, having worked for leading outlets such as Cumhuriyet and Hürriyet newspapers, as well as Kanal D, Show TV, and ATV. In recent years, he has gained a following through independent programming on YouTube.
The case has stirred debate in media and legal circles over freedom of speech and the use of criminal charges in response to political criticism. Critics argue that Altaylı’s prosecution is the latest example of growing censorship in Turkey, where journalists, opposition figures, and social media users have increasingly faced legal pressure for expressing dissenting views.
Human rights advocates say such prosecutions undermine democratic norms and create a chilling effect on public discourse. “Labeling political commentary as a threat to national leadership has become a common tactic to suppress independent journalism in Turkey,” said one Istanbul-based press freedom advocate. “This isn’t about security—it’s about silencing critics.”
Turkey has long faced scrutiny from international watchdogs for its restrictions on press freedom. In the latest Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, the country ranked 158th out of 180 nations, underscoring a pattern of state-driven media suppression and judicial intimidation.
