TROwnership & classification
Founded: 2000
Ownership
Bianet (the Independent Communication Network, BİA) is owned and operated by the IPS Communication Foundation (IPS İletişim Vakfı), a non-profit civil-society foundation established in Istanbul in 1993; bianet.org has published online since 2000. It is not owned by any company, party, oligarch or the Turkish state — control rests with the foundation and its editorial team.
Funding
Bianet is funded mainly by project grants from international donors and institutions — notably the European Union/European Commission (including the EIDHR human-rights instrument) and other rights and press-freedom funders — rather than by advertising or a paywall.
Affiliation & stance
Bianet is an avowedly independent, rights-focused outlet publishing in Turkish, Kurdish and English, with a progressive/left editorial orientation centred on human rights, minority and press-freedom issues, often critical of the Turkish government. Because it is owned by a non-profit foundation with no party, corporate-conglomerate or state control, it is INDEPENDENT (donor/grant-funded civil-society media).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 83
85/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
94
Articles
94
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Recent coverage
Turkish comedian detained after probe over viral stand-up
Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş was detained at Istanbul Airport on July 2 after returning from a vacation abroad as part of an investigation into his recent stand-up special. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched the probe on June 29 under charges of 'publicly denigrating the religious values embraced by a segment of society,' following 135 online complaints after his June 24 YouTube performance garnered over 8.5 million views. The special included satirical takes on Turkey's domestic politics, psychology, drug investigations, and other topics. Göktaş, who was abroad when the investigation began, was detained during passport control and taken to police headquarters. His performance has sparked national debates about the boundaries of satire, freedom of expression, and the role of young Turkish comedians. Authorities have restricted access to some performance clips on X, citing national security and public order.
METU students ordered to evacuate dormitories ahead of NATO summit
Middle East Technical University (METU) in Turkey has ordered students to evacuate dormitories ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7-8. The university administration informed students via email that campus access will be restricted from July 6 to July 12, requiring them to vacate by July 4 at 10:00 AM. Students facing internships or employment in Ankara and lacking alternative housing have criticized the short notice and lack of support. Some students have refused to leave and plan to submit petitions to retain their housing rights. Meanwhile, preparations for the NATO summit include security measures, road closures, and promotional displays, drawing public criticism for limiting civilian access.
Number of arrests rises to 178 in Ankara ahead of NATO summit
Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, a court approved the formal arrest of 178 individuals following mass police raids conducted on June 23. Initially, 225 people were detained as part of a 'terrorism' investigation targeting suspected members of ISIS and Marxist groups. Of those arrested, 178 were formally charged, 34 were placed under house arrest, and six were released. Those detained included academics, journalists, environmental activists, and students. The prosecutors claimed the suspects might attempt to associate Turkey with terrorism through potential attacks. The court justified the arrests based on evidence suggesting criminal activity, concerns over flight risks, and insufficient alternative judicial controls. During interrogations, suspects were questioned about political affiliations, participation in protests, and possible weapon training. Security measures for the NATO summit, scheduled for July 7–8, include 40,000 security personnel, restricted traffic, and road modifications such as billboards and painted facades along route corridors. These preparations have faced public criticism for limiting citizen access and creating a staged appearance for foreign dignitaries
Lawyers investigated for monitoring Pride march in Aydın
In Aydın, western Turkey, prosecutors have initiated an investigation against six lawyers, including Ayşe Öğünçlü, the Vice Chair of the Aydın Bar Association, for monitoring a Pride march on June 14 in Kuşadası. The lawyers were present to offer legal support to participants, observe potential rights violations, and monitor police actions. The Aydın Bar Association strongly criticized the investigation, arguing that providing legal assistance and advocating for human rights should not be considered criminal activities. They stated that the presence of lawyers at such events is essential for ensuring the right to peaceful assembly and defense. The bar association emphasized that defending fundamental rights and freedoms is a constitutional obligation and warned against efforts to silence legal defense.
Inflation slightly falls in June while food prices remain high
Turkey's annual consumer inflation rate dropped slightly to 32.11% in June from 32.61% in May, according to TurkStat. However, food inflation remains extremely high at 34.86%, with housing, utilities, and transportation also seeing significant price increases. While transportation costs decreased marginally, overall inflation continues to place financial strain on households, particularly retirees. Pension adjustments were announced, with retirees receiving a 17.76% increase, but many still struggle financially, with nearly 90% reporting they need to work to avoid poverty.
Terror-free Türkiye law in works, no pardon for Öcalan
Turkey is preparing to implement a temporary law as part of its 'Terror-Free Türkiye' initiative, aimed at disarming the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The law would allow for the annulment of terrorism charges against PKK members who are currently imprisoned or facing prosecution, potentially leading to early release or reduced sentences. However, it explicitly excludes Abdullah Öcalan, the founder of the PKK, and other senior figures who have been sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment. The law will only take effect after Turkish intelligence and military agencies confirm that the PKK has fully disbanded and laid down its arms, with the National Security Council having the final approval. The law does not provide amnesty but focuses on reclassifying charges for those convicted of PKK-related offenses. Additionally, the law allows for the return of PKK members living abroad, provided they undergo judicial oversight.
Access to several Kurdish media outlets, social accounts blocked
On July 1, 2026, the Turkish Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) blocked access to several Kurdish media outlets, including the Kurdish-focused website Nûmedya24, the Azadiya Welat newspaper, and the Ajansa Welat agency. The block also included the official X accounts of Nûmedya24 and Ajansa Welat. Nûmedya24 reported that the website was blocked without a court order or justification, and the BTK provided an administrative decision number confirming the action. Earlier, on December 13, 2024, Nûmedya24’s X account was also restricted under Turkey’s Internet Law No. 5651, though the account remained accessible internationally.
Journalist Gülnur Saydam detained after reporting on criminal groups
Journalist Gülnur Saydam, working for the newspaper Cumhuriyet, was detained by authorities in Istanbul after publishing an article detailing criminal activities in the Göktürk neighborhood. The article described threats and armed attacks faced by residents, raising concerns about safety. Saydam was taken to the İstanbul Security Directorate and accused of 'publicly disseminating misleading information.' She claimed she was unlawfully detained and released after four hours of questioning. She defended her report and vowed to continue her journalistic work. The police stated there are no unsolved crimes in the area, contradicting the claims made by Saydam.
İstanbul's inflation rate at 35.9% in June
Retail prices in İstanbul rose by 1.14% month-on-month in June, according to data from the İstanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO). Annual retail inflation reached 35.94%, with significant increases in communication (4.28%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (4.20%), and household goods (3.14%). In contrast, clothing and footwear prices dropped by 2.21%, and transportation costs fell by 0.95%. Wholesale prices increased by 3% month-on-month, with raw materials seeing the largest rise at 8.18%. Annual wholesale inflation was particularly high for minerals (33.51%) and construction materials (28.64%).
Çanakkale coal power plant expanding despite zero coal target
The Çanakkale Cenal Coal Power Plant, operated by Cenal Elektrik Üretim A.Ş., has initiated the official permitting process to expand its capacity by adding a new 1,050 MW unit, increasing total installed capacity to 2,370 MW. The plant, owned by Cengiz Holding, uses imported coal and currently meets 3% of Turkey’s electricity demand. Despite environmental concerns and the country’s goal of achieving zero new coal plants, the project proceeds with financing from multiple banks and international firms. The expansion would increase annual electricity generation by 7.8 billion kWh and raise coal consumption, though exact figures remain unspecified. The plant emphasizes a 'domestic and national' narrative, claiming reduced foreign energy dependence through local technology and seawater usage for water needs.
75-year-old retired teacher among arrested in crackdown ahead of Ankara NATO summit
In a pre-NATO summit crackdown in Ankara, 41 members of the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion (TEMA), including 75-year-old retired teacher Ayten Yakut, were detained by police. Yakut, accused of being a member of the outlawed Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (TKP/ML), was held in custody but later released after her lawyer appealed, citing lack of evidence and her poor health. The arrests, which total 178 individuals, include academics, journalists, and activists, and occurred amid a broader security operation. Lawyers argue the arrests are politically motivated, linking them to a coincidental ID check during a TEMA event. The prosecution alleges ties to a banned militant group, but no concrete evidence was presented during interrogations.
Tolls raised for major bridges and highways across Turkey
The Turkish General Directorate of Highways implemented a 15.78% to 17.58% increase in toll fees for highways and bridges, marking the second rise this year and bringing annual increases to 47% for bridge tolls. Tolls for the two busiest Istanbul Strait bridges remained unchanged. Opposition MP Aşkın Genç criticized the hikes, highlighting the financial strain of public-private partnership (PPP) projects, where citizens bear costs through both tolls and taxes due to state-backed traffic guarantees. He noted significant toll increases for PPP bridges like the Osmangazi and Çanakkale Bridges, with the latter seeing a 485% increase since opening. Concerns were raised about the long-term financial implications of guaranteed payments in PPP models, with forecasts indicating substantial future costs to the public budget.
Ankara taxis to offer Turkish delight to foreign customers during NATO summit
During the NATO summit in Ankara, authorities have implemented various preparations aimed at improving the city's appearance for foreign visitors. These include repaving roads, repairing infrastructure, planting flowers, and erecting banners showcasing NATO and Turkish military themes. Taxi drivers are required to offer Turkish delight, cologne, and cold water to foreign guests, while wearing standardized uniforms to project professionalism. The Drivers and Automobilists Federation of Turkey (TŞOF) emphasized the role of taxi drivers in representing the country to international visitors. However, these efforts have faced public backlash on social media, with critics arguing that such improvements prioritize impressing foreign leaders over benefiting local residents. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of security measures on daily life, including reduced hospital services.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
