The Foreign Media Association (FMA) Turkey condemns the sentencing of longtime Turkish journalist and FMA member Bülent Mumay for his reporting on alleged misuse of public funds. The legal ruling against him is yet another alarming indication of the growing pressure on independent media in Turkey.

On 20 August 2024, a Turkish court upheld the 20-month suspended prison sentence handed to Mumay last May over his social-media posts. Mumay had shared news reports regarding the alleged garnishing of the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s metro funds by the private contractor Met-Gün Construction, which has close links to the Turkish government. Suspended sentences, in which the prison term is not served unless the convicted person reoffends within a set period of time, are often used as a way to try and silence dissent and criticism.

In addition to upholding Mumay’s sentence, the court imposed an access ban barring Turkish outlets from reporting news about the decision.

FMA stands in solidarity with our member Bülent Mumay and against this blatant violation of press freedom. We call upon Turkish authorities to abide by the country’s own Press Law and Constitution, as well as ECHR rulings, and refrain from targeting the press.

All journalists must be allowed to carry out their professional role, which is vital to a functioning democracy, without fear of intimidation.

FMA Turkey

22.08.2024