Turkiye: Filmmaker Sibel Tekin Cleared of Terrorism Charges
Women Press Freedom celebrates Tekin’s acquittal after a lengthy legal battle
Location: Turkiye, Ankara
Date: March 5, 2024
The exoneration of documentary filmmaker Sibel Tekin from charges implicating her with a terrorist organization signifies the conclusion of a protracted legal ordeal that began with her detention in December 2022. Tekin endured over 40 days behind bars and faced years of hearings under unjust allegations. While Women Press Freedom commends the vindication of Tekin's name and her rightful acquittal, we reiterate an urgent appeal to Turkish authorities: cease the persecution of journalists under the pretext of anti-terror laws and allow them to work freely.
Read latest reports from the globe
On March 5, 2024, at the Ankara 26th High Criminal Court, journalist Sibel Tekin was finally cleared of all charges against her stemming from her work.
Tekin was arrested on December 17, 2022, after filming a police car for her documentary project in Ankara's Tuzluçayır neighborhood. She was detained for 43 days over allegedly being a member of an "armed terrorist organization.”
Since then, Tekin has faced numerous hearings where she has consistently battled to clear her name.
During the latest proceeding, the prosecution admitted that there was insufficient evidence to prove Tekin's affiliation with any terrorist organization and recommended her acquittal.
The court swiftly delivered its decision, absolving Tekin of all charges related to terrorism.
Women Press Freedom celebrates Sibel Tekin’s acquittal but remains concerned about the legal persecution of critical journalists in Turkiye. Turkish authorities persistently harass journalists with unfounded terror-related allegations. Prosecutors frequently order detentions and arrests of journalists on dubious charges, particularly those who work with Kurdish media outlets.
The recent acquittals of Sibel Tekin and Nadiye Gürbüz of terror-related charges signify a welcome end to the judicial harassment of these journalists; however, both women spent significant time behind bars and faced multiple hearings before being cleared. This signifies an issue with the legislation and the way prosecutors are abusing it; spending months in jail on charges that are blatantly false should not be happening. The Turkish judiciary needs to stop its abuse of power — calibrate and consider each case of alleged terrorism affiliation targeting the press carefully. This cannot continue to be wielded as a tool to silence journalists.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.