Fact Check: Turkey is one of worst country of press freedom

Fact Check: "Turkey is one of the worst countries for press freedom"

What We Know

Turkey has consistently ranked poorly in terms of press freedom. According to the World Press Freedom Index, published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Turkey ranked 159th out of 180 countries in the 2025 index. This ranking reflects a significant decline in press freedom, with RSF noting ongoing repression of journalists and media outlets in the country. The index evaluates countries based on various criteria, including political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and safety for journalists (source-1, source-5).

In addition, the Freedom in the World 2025 report by Freedom House highlights Turkey's deteriorating democratic environment, emphasizing the government's crackdown on dissent, including the suppression of independent journalism. The report indicates that the ruling party has intensified efforts to limit public discourse and restrict freedoms, which further contributes to Turkey's poor standing in press freedom (source-2, source-4).

Analysis

The claim that Turkey is one of the worst countries for press freedom is supported by multiple credible sources. The World Press Freedom Index is a well-respected measure that specifically assesses the state of press freedom globally. Turkey's position at 159th indicates a severe lack of media independence and safety for journalists (source-5, source-6).

Moreover, the Freedom House report corroborates this by documenting the government's systematic repression of political opposition and civil society, which includes the media. The report notes that Turkey ranks among the top ten countries with the sharpest decline in freedoms (source-4). The combination of these assessments from reputable organizations like RSF and Freedom House lends significant weight to the claim regarding Turkey's status in press freedom.

While some may argue that rankings can be subjective, the methodology employed by RSF, which includes input from various stakeholders like journalists and human rights activists, adds a layer of credibility to the findings (source-1). Furthermore, the consistency of Turkey's low rankings over the years indicates a persistent issue rather than a temporary fluctuation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Turkey is one of the worst countries for press freedom" is substantiated by credible evidence from the World Press Freedom Index and Freedom House reports. Turkey's ranking of 159th out of 180 countries in the 2025 index, along with documented government repression of independent journalism, confirms that the country faces significant challenges regarding press freedom.