Turkey Bars 5 Independent Outlets From NATO Summit as Rights Groups Denounce Crackdown
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 25
Turkey Bars 5 Independent Outlets From NATO Summit as Rights Groups Denounce Crackdown
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 25
Summary
Five Turkish outlets — Halk TV, Sozcu TV, Cumhuriyet, T24 and ANKA — were denied accreditation for the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara, journalism groups said, with no reason given and no appeal process offered.
NATO said host countries vet local journalists for summits held outside Brussels and that it is in contact with Turkish authorities, while stressing media access to major events is important.
The exclusions land as Ankara tightens security before leaders from the 32-member alliance gather to discuss defense spending and project unity, with President Donald Trump expected to attend.
More than 200 people were detained earlier this week in operations tied to alleged extremist links, but opposition figures and Human Rights Watch said the sweep also hit a politician, journalist, academic, lawyers and an LGBTQ activist.
Human Rights Watch said the arrests and media restrictions clash with NATO's democratic values, while Turkey's Communications Directorate said detainees were linked to various terrorist organizations.