Journalist Oya Lale Arslan arrested in Ankara

Journalist and YouTube broadcaster Oya Lale Özan Arslan has been arrested in Ankara following an investigation by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Arslan faces charges of “publicly spreading misleading information” and “making propaganda for a terrorist organization.”

The investigation was triggered by content shared on her social media accounts and YouTube channel, including broadcasts featuring journalist Erk Acarer. Authorities conducted a search of her residence, seizing digital materials such as hard drives and mobile phones for forensic examination.

During her interrogation, Arslan denied the allegations, stating that her video titles were chosen to increase visibility and engagement rather than to commit crimes. She maintained that her role is that of a moderator and that the views expressed by guests are spontaneous. Her lawyer, Çağlar Çağlayan, has criticized the arrest, arguing that journalism is not a crime and that using vague legal norms to penalize news reporting serves as a deterrent against press freedom.