How foreign journalists become 'spies' in Turkey
Journalism in Turkey is increasingly becoming a nightmare for foreign reporters, too, while the president personally leads psychological lynching campaigns.
Back in the days when Turkey was touted as a model for the Muslim world, boasting a booming economy despite the global crisis, it was home to many foreign journalists full of praise for the country. With the Arab uprisings, more foreign journalists arrived in Turkey, as cities like Istanbul, Hatay and Gaziantep became their regional bases, just as Beirut once used to be.
Foreign journalists and local ones employed by foreign media enjoyed high esteem in the days they lauded the Justice and Development Party (AKP), but when they began referring to touchy subjects they became spies overnight in government eyes.
Erdogan casting the first stone
An increasing number of journalists have faced character assassination, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan setting the tone in public speeches. Those targeted by Erdogan are instantly flooded with threats and insults on social media. As a result, some have been recalled from Turkey and others have tried to keep a low profile. Many worry about being denied residence permits.
