İsmail Saymaz—a freelance journalist, book writer and TV commentator who formerly worked for pro-opposition critical outlets such as Halk TV and Sözcü—was taken into custody by Istanbul police in a raid on his home on March 19, 2025. A court placed him under house arrest on March 21 on the charge of “assisting an attempt to overthrow the government” for reporting on the 2013 civil unrest triggered by plans to redevelop Istanbul’s Gezi Park. The events, which spread to other cities of Turkey as anti-government protests, led to several people being killed and thousands injured.
A lawyer representing Saymaz at the time of his arrest said the journalist was questioned while in custody about his journalistic activity, contacts, and social media activity while reporting on the Gezi protests, including his communication with some of those convicted on charges of organizing the unrest.
Saymaz was released from house arrest May 16, 2025, by a court order and banned from traveling abroad while under judicial control, which requires weekly check-ins with a police station.
As of July 2025, Saymaz still was not indicted and charged regarding the investigation.
CPJ's email to the chief prosecutor's office in Istanbul asking for comment did not receive a reply.