Journalist jailed for Erdogan criticism
Prosecutors Seek Five‑Year Sentence for Turkish Commentator
Location: Istanbul – A rights organization announced on Thursday that Turkish prosecutors are seeking a minimum of five years in jail for political commentator Fatih Altayli. Altayli, who was arrested on June 22 and placed in provisional detention near Istanbul, has amassed over 2.8 million followers on X and 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube, where he hosts a daily discussion show.
Context of the Alleged Threat
In a recent YouTube episode, Altayli addressed a poll indicating that roughly 70 percent of Turkey’s population opposes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan becoming president for life. While discussing the poll, he compared the situation to the historical fate of several Ottoman sultans, who were either “assassinated” or “strangled.”
Prosecution’s Indictment
The indictment, submitted on Thursday, argues that Altayli’s social‑media remark constitutes a “threat of an attack on (Erdogan’s) life.” The prosecutors claim that the video in which the comment was made was publicly disseminated, reached a wide audience, and was “intent to communicate,” thereby satisfying the legal criteria under the current rules.
Altayli’s Response
During the investigation, Altayli denied the accusation, asserting that he merely offered “elements of historical context” and intended no threat toward Erdogan.
Freedom of Press Ranking
Reporters Without Borders placed Turkey 159 out of 180 in its global press freedom rankings, positioned between Pakistan and Venezuela.
Potential Pathways for Erdogan
Although the incumbent president, who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014 before assuming the presidency, is not permitted to run for a fourth term when his mandate expires in 2028, he could attempt to preserve his hold on power by:
- Calling early elections
- Reforming Turkey’s constitution
Note: This article presents a restructured view of the original news piece while maintaining the critical facts and figures.
