Journalist Fatih Altaylı Faces Minimum 5-Year Prison Demand for “Threatening the President”
fatih altayli
Veteran Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı, who remains in custody at Silivri Marmara Prison, now faces a minimum prison sentence of 5 years, following an indictment accusing him of “threatening the President” over comments made in a YouTube broadcast.
Prosecutors File Indictment Over YouTube Remarks
The indictment, officially filed on charges of “threatening the President of the Republic”, stems from remarks made during a recent video in which Altaylı discussed public opposition to the idea of President Erdoğan serving for life.
What Did He Say?
In the video, Altaylı cited a poll showing that 70% of the public opposes Erdoğan remaining in office for life, adding:
“This percentage is what I expected. Other than a significant portion of AKP and some MHP voters, no one would approve of such a thing. Look at this nation’s past—not the recent past, but further back. This is a nation that has strangled its own sultan when displeased…”
The historical analogy stirred backlash, with critics accusing Altaylı of using incendiary language with potential threats against the head of state.
Altaylı Targeted by Presidential Advisor Before Arrest
The situation escalated when Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral posted a clip of Altaylı’s statements on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “The water’s boiling”, which was interpreted by many as a public targeting message.
Altaylı was subsequently detained, and later arrested and transferred to Silivri prison, where he remains in custody pending trial.
Legal and Political Tensions Rise
The demand for a sentence of no less than 5 years has drawn concern from free speech advocates and press freedom watchdogs, who view the indictment as part of a widening crackdown on dissenting voices in Turkey. Government officials maintain that Altaylı’s comments crossed legal boundaries.