The End Of Press Freedom In Turkey

VOX: The Latest Threat To Freedom In Turkey

The government of Turkey has taken over a popular newspaper, raising fears of more crackdowns on dissent

An Istanbul court ordered the government takeover of Turkey’s top-selling newspaper Friday, triggering concerns from human rights groups and opposition leaders that freedom of press in the country has all but disappeared.

The newspaper Zaman, and its English-language sister paper Today’s Zaman, were taken over by court administrators, confirmed Managing Editor Celil Sagir. Rumors had circulated in pro-government media for days that the Turkish government was cracking down on dissent. Late Friday, Turkish authorities raided Zaman’s offices and reportedly fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters outside.

“By lashing out and seeking to rein in critical voices, President Erdogan’s government is steamrolling over human rights,” Amnesty International said in a statement.

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WNU Editor: A blunt headline from the newspaper that was seized by the Turkish government yesterday .... Zaman employees begin first day of job after takeover under heavy police presence (Today's Zaman).

More News On Turkey's Crackdown On The Press

Istanbul court to appoint trustees for Zaman, Today's Zaman editorial board -- Committee to Protect Journalists
Turkish police fire tear gas at protesters, EU laments rights record (Reuters)
'Shameful day for free press in Turkey': Police fire rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds protesting forced take-over of the country's largest-circulation newspaper -- Daily Mail
Turkey Seizes Newspaper, Zaman, as Press Crackdown Continues -- NYT
Turkish riot police with tear gas raid country's biggest newspaper -- The Independent
Turkish government seizes critical opposition paper -- DW
Turkey Fires Top Editor of Country's Largest Newspaper as Media Crackdown Continues -- VICE News
Erdogan Govt Seizes Turkey’s Biggest-Selling Newspaper -- Jerusalem Press
Shocking footage shows the moment police overran Turkey's largest newspaper using tear gas and water cannons -- Business Insider
17 Photos of Riot Police Seizing Control of Turkey's Largest Newspaper -- World.mic