Sedef Kabaş Detained Over Alleged Insult to President Erdoğan
Journalist Sedef Kabaş was detained on January 26, 2026, following a social media post deemed insulting to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.Teh detention was ordered by the Anatolian chief public Prosecutor’s Office, which cited charges of “insulting the President” and “incitement to crime.”
Background and Previous Legal Issues
This is not the first time Kabaş has faced legal challenges related to her social media activity.In February 2024, she was sentenced to 10 months in prison for “spreading misleading information to the public” after sharing a post about then-Central Bank Governor Fatih Karahan and potential price increases for electricity and natural gas. However, the execution of that sentence was suspended. Reuters
Current Charges and Legal Context
The current detention stems from a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). Under Turkish law, insulting the President is a criminal offense, carrying a potential prison sentence. Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code outlines the offense and penalties. turkish Penal Code Article 299 The charge of “incitement to crime” suggests authorities believe Kabaş’s post could encourage others to commit unlawful acts.
Reaction and Concerns
Kabaş’s lawyer, Uğur Poyraz, announced the detention on social media, stating he was heading to the Vatan police station. Sozcu The detention has drawn criticism from press freedom organizations, who argue that Turkey’s laws regarding insults to public officials are overly broad and used to stifle dissent. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have consistently highlighted concerns about the suppression of journalistic freedom in Turkey. Reporters Without Borders – Turkey
Key Takeaways
- Journalist Sedef Kabaş was detained on January 26, 2026, for allegedly insulting President Erdoğan on social media.
- She previously received a suspended prison sentence in 2024 for a separate social media post.
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about freedom of expression and press freedom in Turkey.
- Turkish law criminalizes insulting the President, with potential prison sentences.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and freedom of expression advocates in Turkey.
