Yirca protest, Konuk Yazar. All rights reserved.Being a journalist has become one of the most ominous occupations in Turkey. The country imprisons more journalists than any other in the world; it has closed 178 news agencies and publishing houses in a space of five months and is even known to torture journalists in custody. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has recorded 64 journalists killed in Turkey since 1992 and reports indicate that at least 240 journalists are currently being held in prisons across the country.
Environmental activism and political discontent
Despite the crackdown on Turkish media, Turkish journalism is proving surprisingly resilient, with many critical reporters defying restrictions and being quickly propelled to martyr status.
Moreover, a new movement of young Turkish writers is emerging, not only reporting on social and political issues, but also advocating environmental activism: from covering protests against an open coal mine threatening a high-density residential area near Izmir in Southern Turkey, to questioning Turkish policies on climate change, young voices are vocalising criticisms that are being heard across the country.
