Two Turkish journalists arrested for alleged extortion

The journalists are accused of making threats and attempting to blackmail people in connection with the sale of a local news station. The police searched their homes and confiscated documents.

The journalists worked for the Turkish daily newspapers "Cumhuriyet" and "Birgün", which are considered critical of the government. The two newspapers confirmed the arrests.

Murat Agirel and Timur Soykan are known for their investigative reports on corruption and organized crime. They have also faced legal proceedings in the past. Among other things, they also reported on the proceedings against the imprisoned and deposed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

The aim of the arrests was to "intimidate journalists who criticize the government and the free media", wrote Burhanettin Bulut, deputy chairman of the largest opposition party CHP, on X. Journalists' unions also condemned the action.

Imamoglu also reacted to the arrests. The journalists had also helped to prove that the accusations against him were fabricated. "Release the journalists. How long can you run away from the truth?" he wrote on X.

Several Turkish and foreign journalists have already been arrested in connection with the crackdown on Imamoglu in recent weeks.