Turkish Journalists questioned in Probe Linked to Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu
A wave of detentions targeting prominent Turkish journalists has raised concerns about press freedom, as authorities investigate alleged links to a purported “criminal association” connected to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The coordinated operation, which began early Thursday, November 6, 2025, saw police take into custody journalists Şaban Sevinç, Yavuz Oğhan, Soner Yalçın, Batuhan Çolak, and Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, alongside Medyascope Editor-in-Chief Ruşen Çakır. Testimony procedures are underway at the Prosecutor’s Office,the investigation targets Soner Yalçın,Şaban Sevinç,Aslı aydıntaşbaş,Ruşen Çakır,Yavuz Oğhan,and Batuhan Çolak. The statement affirmed that further details would be released to the public.
The detentions began with early morning raids on the homes of Sevinç and Oğhan, where police confiscated their mobile phones. Lawyer Hüseyin Ersöz reported that no searches were conducted at Oğhan’s residence, but he was informed he was required to provide a statement. ersöz also noted that access to legal counsel was initially delayed,with authorities stating thay could meet with clients in one hour.A similar delay was reported for Şaban Sevinç’s lawyer, suggesting a standardized approach across the detentions. It remains unclear whether the journalists will be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office following their initial police statements.
Ruşen Çakır, known for his commentary on Turkish politics, responded to the unfolding events with a wry observation on social media, stating, “Let me wash these accumulated dishes, just in case.” He shared a link to a previous post, suggesting the situation was predictable.
The operation follows recent reporting in the Akşam newspaper, alleging that Murat Ongun, a press advisor to the detained istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, was financing several journalists. The Akşam report specifically targeted journalists including Çakır, Nagehan Alçı, Nevşin Mengü, Oğhan, Bahar Feyzan, Aydıntaşbaş, Çolak, Barış Pehlivan, Sevinç, and İsmail Saymaz. However, discrepancies were noted between the print and online versions of the article, with the name of journalist Soner Yalçın appearing in the newspaper version but omitted from the online report. The newspaper alleged Yalçın had previously sought to establish a media group for the CHP and maintained frequent contact with Ongun.
Çakır and other journalists have reportedly filed a criminal complaint against Akşam newspaper in response to the allegations.
The detentions have drawn swift condemnation from opposition leaders. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel denounced the operation as an attempt to instill fear within the journalistic community, stating, “They are trying to create fear every morning.” CHP deputy Chairman Burhanettin Bulut characterized the detentions as a “de facto detention” and a clear attempt to intimidate the opposition and the free press. CHP’s Veli Ağbaba echoed these concerns, highlighting a pattern of “dawn raids” and accusing authorities of attempting to silence critical voices.
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The unfolding situation underscores growing anxieties surrounding media freedom in Türkiye, with observers suggesting the detentions represent a further escalation in pressure on independent journalism. the coming hours will be critical in determining the next steps in this developing story and the potential implications for the future of free expression in the country.
