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Turkish journalism is passing through a very difficult period, but I don't really recall when it wasn't in a difficult situation. However, the current period is particularly difficult. The atmosphere of fear, intimidation and abeyance to the absolute authority has reached such a dimension that journalists, unfortunately, might steer clear of discussions where problems are discussed.

Two separate probes have been launched against Cengiz Çandar, Radikal news portal columnist, for his seven articles allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an. 

"The personal rights of my client, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, were abused by accusation via press including insults," said Erdo?an's lawyer, Ahmet Özel, in his petition. 

Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Abdurrahim Boynukal?n?s latest remarks from Oct. 19, in which he praised the Sept. 6 attack on daily Hürriyet?s headquarters in Istanbul, will be used as evidence in the criminal complaint previously filed into his speech on Sept. 6 alongside the perpetrators of the attack, Hürriyet has reported.

Çetin Altan, a prominent figure in the Turkish journalism history, died on Oct. 22 of pneumonia-driven respiratory failure and septic shock. He was 88.

Altan had been hospitalized in June and was later discharged. However, he was hospitalized at Fatih University hospital in the Maltepe district of Istanbul as his condition worsened.

Peoples? Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirta? made a visit to the building of daily Hürriyet on Oct. 8 to express his support to the daily in the wake of recent attacks on the daily and one of its leading journalists.

Ayd?n Do?an, the founder and honorary chairman of Do?an Holding, has said that Turkey?s largest media group ?does not have to be pro-government,? amid rising pressure and violence targeting the company and its workers.Ayd?n Do?an, the founder and honorary chairman of Do?an Holding, has said that Turkey?s largest media group ?does not have to be pro-government,?

The Republican People's Party (CHP) chair Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu has criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) over the violent assault targeting daily Hürriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan.

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum have expressed grave concern over the violent assault on daily Hürriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan in a letter addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an.

Three Justice and Development Party (AKP) members implicated in a physical attack on daily Hürriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan in Istanbul early Oct. 1 have been expelled by the party, the party?s spokesperson Ömer Çelik said Oct. 2.

Ahmet Hakan Co?kun, one of Turkey?s most influential columnists and TV commentators, was severely beaten by four people in front of his house in Istanbul on Oct. 1, right after completing his debate show, ?The Neutral Zone,? on CNNTürk. The attackers have been detained by the police, with at least one of them an infamous Twitter personality who trolls users who are critical of the government.