Türkiye: Erdoğan Regime Continues Repression of Journalists in Exile

Turkish journalist Doğan Ertuğrul was given political asylum in Austria in 2016. Since then, he has continued his journalistic work from Vienna through the “Free Journalists” network and runs the critical online platform Kronos News, which is clearly opposed to the policies of the Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In early July 2026, Ertuğrul once again came under the scrutiny of Turkish authorities: Accused of alleged ties to terrorist organizations, the regime ordered the freezing of his assets. This also affects his private pension insurance. The measure thus impacts the exiled journalist not only in his journalistic work but also directly in his personal livelihood.

The next parliamentary and presidential elections in Türkiye will take place in May 2028. In a conversation with RSF Austria Secretary-General Martin Wassermair (pictured on the right), Ertuğrul is therefore convinced that there are obvious political motives behind the recent attacks: “A climate of intimidation is being created to send a clear message to the press: Anyone who opposes President Erdoğan and his government must expect the worst possible consequences. That’s why I have personal protection in Vienna as well.”

The journalist in exile sees this as a signal that extends far beyond his personal case. In light of the upcoming elections, he says, the aim is to intimidate critical voices and further restrict the scope of action for independent media. He is now seeking international legal and diplomatic support to fight the asset freeze and, at the same time, to draw attention to the increasing transnational repression against Turkish journalists in exile. He is now seeking international legal and diplomatic support to challenge the asset freeze and, at the same time, to draw attention to the growing transnational repression against Turkish journalists in exile.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stands with Ertuğrul and calls for international solidarity—for the freedom of critical and independent journalism in Türkiye.

German version