The article discusses the severe restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, highlighting the experiences of Yavuz Ugurtas, a former correspondent for the critical Turkish newspaper Zaman. It outlines the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey, where over a hundred are currently imprisoned, and the broader implications for Turkish society and democracy. The author reflects on their own career, including covering the 2015 elections and the subsequent crackdown on media, particularly after the failed coup attempt in July 2016. The article also touches on the targeting of the Koza-Ipek media group and the author's eventual dismissal from Zaman. It concludes with a note of hope for the future of journalism and justice in Turkey.

A faction of the Turkish military attempted a coup, resulting in violence and at least 17 police deaths in Ankara and Istanbul. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim declared the coup under control and failed. President Erdogan, who has faced accusations of authoritarianism, urged citizens to resist the coup. The coup caused disruptions, including the suspension of a Unesco meeting and restricted social media access. The situation raised concerns for the safety of foreigners in Turkey, including Brazilian athletes and officials.

Akin Ipek, director of the independent Turkish media conglomerate Koza Ipek, spoke about the government's crackdown on his company, which was accused of supporting the Hizmet Movement, an Islamic group opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The government interrupted the company's live broadcast and appointed trustees to take over Ipek's businesses. Ipek described the government's actions as defamatory and retaliatory for not joining a state-controlled media pool. He also faced personal threats and decided to leave Turkey without any assets. Ipek defended the Hizmet Movement as humanitarian and criticized the government's labeling of it as a terrorist organization. He also mentioned attempts to present documents to the European Court of Human Rights, which were confiscated at the airport.

Mursel Genc, a journalist and terrorism expert, criticizes the Turkish government for not admitting to 'obvious' security failures following numerous attacks with hundreds injured in recent years. He claims that those who dare to expose these issues are persecuted. Despite high-security measures, the occurrence of three explosions at different points in Atatürk Airport highlights serious intelligence failures. Genc points out that foreign citizens were often warned of potential attacks, suggesting inadequate intelligence in Turkey. After alarming police dismissals post-December 2013, the country faced significant weaknesses in security and intelligence. Turkish authorities have not taken responsibility for these lapses, with no resignations or apologies offered. Genc also comments on media censorship, revealing an inquiry against him for reporting on security and police failures, indicating the government's desire to suppress negative news.

Turkish writer Mustafa Edip Yilmaz discusses the limited impact of the German parliamentary vote recognizing the Armenian genocide on the EU-Turkey refugee agreement. He argues that while Erdogan has isolated Turkey to some extent, he is aware of the boundaries he should not cross. The article explores potential diplomatic responses from Turkey and the possible effects on Turkish residents in Germany, concluding that significant long-term impacts are unlikely.

Selcuk Gultasli, head of the Brussels bureau of 'Yarına Bakış', criticizes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's obsession with establishing an unchecked presidential system. Gultasli argues that Erdogan's actions undermine press freedom and democracy, highlighting the violent confiscation of the 'Zaman' newspaper and the closure of the Ipek Koza media group. He also criticizes former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for being a weak politician and a puppet of Erdogan, failing to protect press freedom during his tenure.

Selcuk Gultasli, a journalist from the Brussels branch of 'Yarına Bakış', criticizes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for seeking absolute power through constitutional changes without a referendum. Erdogan's actions overshadow the already weakened influence of Prime Minister Davutoglu, who is portrayed as a puppet and partly responsible for the worsening state of press freedom in Turkey. Speculations suggest that Erdogan might leverage potential early elections, as polls indicate his party, AKP, could secure enough votes to amend the constitution without a referendum. The article also highlights the ongoing persecution and imprisonment of journalists in Turkey, labeling the period under Davutoglu as one of the most shameful for Turkish media.

In Istanbul, journalists Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Çetinkaya from the newspaper 'Cumhuriyet' were sentenced to two years in prison for publishing controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad originally from 'Charlie Hebdo'. The cartoons, which depicted Muhammad shedding a tear and holding a 'Je Suis Charlie' sign, are considered blasphemous by many Muslims. The court found no remorse from the journalists, who defended their actions as a reaction to terrorism. Family members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including two daughters, a son, and son-in-law Berat Albayrak, who is also the Energy Minister, were among the complainants, suggesting a political motive behind the sentence. The case is expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court of Turkey.

In Istanbul, journalists Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Çetinkaya from the Turkish newspaper 'Cumhuriyet' were sentenced to two years in prison for publishing a controversial cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad originally from 'Charlie Hebdo'. The cartoon, which depicted Muhammad shedding a tear and holding a sign saying 'Je Suis Charlie', is considered blasphemous by many Muslims. The court ruled that the journalists showed no remorse and could reoffend. Family members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including two daughters, a son, and son-in-law Berat Albayrak, who is also the Energy Minister, were among the complainants, suggesting a political motive behind the verdict. Karan criticized the decision as a blow to freedom of expression in Turkey.

An Istanbul court sentenced two Turkish journalists, Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Çetinkaya, to two years in prison for publishing a controversial cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad originally from 'Charlie Hebdo'. The court cited the cartoon as an insult to religious values and incitement of public hatred. The journalists, who work for 'Cumhuriyet', defended their actions as a response to terrorism and a stand for freedom of expression. The sentence, which must be reviewed by Turkey's Supreme Court, has been criticized as politically motivated, especially given the involvement of President Erdogan's family members in the complaint.

Ahmet Inanç Içen, coordinator of activities at the Centro Cultural Brasil-Turquia (CCBT) in Belo Horizonte, discusses the similarities between Brazilian and Turkish people, noting how visitors compare Belo Horizonte to the Anatolia region in Turkey. The CCBT, a non-governmental institution founded in 2011, aims to strengthen relations between the two countries through cultural, academic, and social activities. The organization has recently hosted the Latin American edition of the International Language and Culture Festival (IFLC) and an international conference on terrorism. Içen highlights the shared love for football, tourism growth, and cultural exchange, while also acknowledging the challenges and benefits of adapting to different customs.