Journalist İsmail Arı jailed in Turkey on disinformation charges

Turkish authorities have jailed journalist İsmail Arı, a reporter for the opposition-aligned BirGün daily, pending trial on charges of disseminating misleading information and insulting a public official. The investigation follows a complaint by Ebubekir Şahin, the former chairman of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), Turkey’s broadcasting regulator.

Arı was detained on October 20 after reporting to the Ankara Police Department to provide a statement regarding an investigation. The charges are reportedly linked to Arı’s reporting on alleged nepotism involving Şahin, specifically documenting the appointment of Şahin’s relatives to positions within RTÜK.

Following his appearance before a prosecutor, a criminal magistrate of peace ordered his pretrial detention. Arı stated that the judge did not listen to his legal counsel and noted that the specific charge might not require prison time even if a conviction is secured.

The arrest has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and journalist organizations. Representatives from the New Party and the EMEP party joined BirGün readers in Ankara to protest the detention, characterizing it as part of a broader trend of political pressure and shrinking democratic space in Turkey.