The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urgently demanded that Türkiye's government launch a thorough inquiry into the death of Hakan Tosun, a freelance journalist who died under suspicious circumstances. Tosun, known for his reporting on environmental and social issues, tragically succumbed to injuries after being brutally attacked on October 11, 2025.

Tosun was assaulted by two individuals on a motorcycle and left unconscious on a street, later dying in the hospital from cerebral hemorrhaging. Despite the arrest of two suspects, aged 18 and 24, significant concerns about the handling of the case persist. The major national trade union, Disk Basin-is, criticized the investigation's irregularities, highlighting a lack of transparency and accountability, including undisclosed identities of the attackers and missing personal belongings of the deceased.

The incident adds to the troubling record of journalist safety in Türkiye, compounded by previous criticisms from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The court has reproached Türkiye for its arbitrary detention of journalists, citing violations of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In a notable case, Sik v. Turkey, the ECtHR ruled against the pre-trial detention of a journalist who was accused of supporting terrorism through his articles, stating the detention had no sufficient legal basis.

The locality where Tosun was attacked is reportedly crime-prone, yet this does not excuse the lack of a meticulous investigation, as noted by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The fragmented footage of the attack and the absence of concerted efforts to gather forensic evidence have only fueled suspicions and international outcry.

As a journalist, Tosun was actively involved in documenting and sharing news on ecological destruction and public protests on his X (formerly Twitter) account, making his reports crucial for public awareness and action.

The call for an impartial and effective investigation into Tosun’s death is growing louder, not just within Türkiye but also among international observers and human rights advocates. They argue that ensuring accountability in this case is essential for protecting press freedom and maintaining public trust in Türkiye's commitment to justice and human rights.