Journalism groups in Turkey have condemned the denial of accreditation to several independent media outlets for an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, calling it an affront to media freedoms. NATO stated it relies on host countries for such decisions.
The denial of accreditation to independent media outlets raises concerns about press freedom and democratic values within a NATO member state, particularly as the alliance prepares to host a summit focused on defense and unity.
Several independent Turkish media organizations have been denied accreditation to cover an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, a decision decried by journalism groups as an infringement on media freedoms. Outlets such as Halk TV, Sozcu TV, Cumhuriyet newspaper, T24 news website, and ANKA news agency, which are considered opposition-leaning or independent, were excluded without explanation or recourse.
NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart indicated that for summits held outside its Brussels headquarters, the alliance depends on the host country to vet and approve national media. She emphasized NATO's view that media attendance at major events is important and stated that the alliance is in contact with Turkish authorities regarding the accreditation.
Turkish officials have not yet commented on the matter. The country is implementing extensive security measures ahead of the summit, including recent detentions of over 200 individuals. While authorities cited links to extremist groups, opposition parties and media reports suggest the detainees include politicians, academics, activists, and lawyers. Human Rights Watch criticized these detentions, arguing that the use of terrorism laws to silence dissent undermines NATO's founding values and urged the alliance to insist on the respect of peaceful expression and assembly.