07.08.2025
The Istanbul 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace imposed an access ban on the YouTube channel of jailed journalist Fatih Altaylı, following a request from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The court also ordered the removal of all content from the channel. The decision was communicated to the relevant internet service providers.
Altaylı is currently held in Marmara Prison in Silivri on charges of “threatening the President,” facing a prison sentence of no less than five years under Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code.
Previously, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) had imposed a licensing requirement on Altaylı’s channel, announcing on 23 June that it would request an access ban unless a license application was submitted within 72 hours. Following his arrest, the channel broadcast “empty chair” themed programs, in which letters sent by Altaylı from Silivri were read daily.
