DW has announced its intention to challenge the conviction of its Turkish service journalist, Bulent Mumay, at Turkey’s Constitutional Court. Mumay was convicted due to a series of critical social media posts about a construction company with ties to the government, receiving a suspended sentence, which was later upheld by a higher court in Istanbul. The case highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom in Turkey, which has been under scrutiny for its treatment of journalists and media rights. Reporters Without Borders ranks Turkey 158th out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index, pointing to state hostility towards the press and efforts to undermine independent journalism.
Bulent Mumay, a journalist for DW’s Turkish service, was convicted over critical social media posts about a construction company with government ties.
He received a suspended sentence, which was upheld by a higher court in Istanbul, now being appealed at Turkey’s Constitutional Court by DW.
Reporters Without Borders ranks Turkey 158th in terms of press freedom, citing state hostility towards the press and efforts to undermine independent journalism.
Over 85% of Turkey’s national private media market is under government control, affecting the independence of journalism.
New laws have tightened control over online sites and social media, with at least 131 journalists detained in the last decade, according to Reporters Without Borders.
Mumay’s case is seen as part of broader efforts to intimidate journalists and suppress freedom of expression in Turkey.
Mumay expresses that international solidarity makes journalists in Turkey feel more secure, despite the ongoing pressures and threats to their freedom.
The judicial system in Turkey, perceived as being under the control of President Erdogan, poses significant challenges to overturning convictions against journalists.
Mumay remains committed to journalism despite the risk of imprisonment for any perceived misconduct under the terms of his suspended sentence.
DW News is a global news TV program broadcast by German public state-owned international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW).
Deutsche Welle is Germany's public international broadcaster, delivering news, features, and documentaries across television, radio, and digital platforms in roughly 30 languages. Although it is funded by the German federal tax budget, DW is legally mandated to operate with strict editorial independence. Its primary mission is to convey a comprehensive picture of Germany, present independent perspectives on global events, and promote the understanding of democratic values internationally.
