A Turkish court has ordered the release of three journalists, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, who were detained for covering the country’s recent unrest.
Akgul, 35, was among 11 journalists arrested after reporting on mass protests sparked by the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival.
The journalists were detained on charges of “taking part in illegal rallies and marches and failing to disperse despite warnings”.
However, their release was welcomed by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), who demanded the release of all other journalists arrested in Istanbul and Izmir.
Turkey’s treatment of journalists has raised concerns, with the country ranking 158 out of 180 in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The journalists’ initial arrest sparked international condemnation, including from the United Nations.
