Tensions Rise as Turkey Cracks Down on Opposition
Turkish authorities have detained five journalists and replaced a pro-Kurdish mayor with a state appointee, intensifying a crackdown on dissent. Critics link these actions to losses by President Erdogan's party in recent elections. Allegations of political motivation are denied, as authorities claim independent court operations.

- Country:
- Turkey
Turkish authorities intensified their crackdown on dissent this week, detaining a prominent investigative journalist and four colleagues while replacing an elected pro-Kurdish mayor with a state appointee. These actions have drawn criticism, with detractors linking the crackdown to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party's significant losses in the March local elections.
Despite allegations of political motivation, government officials maintain that Turkish courts operate independently. Investigative journalist Baris Pehlivan was taken into custody alongside Halk TV's chief editor Serhan Asker and presenter Seda Selek. The move followed the broadcaster airing a contentious phone conversation, raising accusations of biased reporting against opposition mayors.
Meanwhile, other journalists from the opposition-aligned Halk TV face potential charges for disclosing private conversations without permission. Skeptics continue to challenge the impartiality of such legal actions, as opposition figures remain under scrutiny amid growing calls for early elections.
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Turkey
- crackdown
- journalist
- Erdogan
- dissent
- opposition
- halk TV
- Pehlivan
- mayor
- Kurdish
ALSO READ
Opposition Leaders Demand Fresh Elections in Pakistan Amid Rigging Allegations
Kerala Toll Controversy: LDF Faces Opposition Backlash
Mamata Banerjee Champions West Bengal's Industrial Growth Against Opposition Scrutiny
Telangana's Groundbreaking Caste Survey Challenges Opposition Criticism
EVMs Vindicated: Ex-CJI Chandrachud Counters Opposition Claims