According to the 2025 global report by Freemuse, restrictions on artistic freedom have moved far beyond isolated incidents of censorship, becoming a “structural and institutionalized regime” that permeates nearly every part of the cultural sector.
An İstanbul court sentenced Salman to pay a fine of TL 7,000
While censorship seeks to render the LGBTI+ community invisible, the true strength of the movement lies in its resilience and ever- evolving presence, much like a rhizome or a resilient weed. Thus, just as the ‘tragic hero’s journey lays bare the unavoidable, so the LGBTI+ movement heralds the promise of a richer, more diverse world
“Overcoming the censorship and self-censorship mechanisms –forms of theatrical self-castration– or at least softening their grip, depends on the wider condition of “freedom of expression” and the presence, development, and richness of the rights that sustain it”
The absence of a queer film section from the 44th İstanbul Film Festival program is a “change” according to İKSV, but censorship according to the LGBTI+ community
Sözcü TV, Tele 1, Halk TV and NOW TV have been heavily fined for broadcasting and commenting on the Saraçhane protests and Özgür Özel’s statements
“For one of the most disturbing parts of the story is that the censorship regime presents its oppressive universe as a celebration, as a form of salvation. We will not attend any Scissors Days; we will rock the boat instead”
Four TV channels were fined over broadcasts about İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu
Sendika.org editorial board member Ali Ergin Demirhan has been sentenced to 3 months and 22 days in prison over a Charlie Hebdo news article published in 2015
“As musicians, perhaps we never imagined our concerts would be cancelled simply for speaking out on social issues. Or that, as women musicians, what we wore on stage would not be up to us. We never thought we would have to compromise so much on our bodies, our voices, our lyrics, and our melodies”