Newsroom
Turkish Cypriot journalist Pinar Barut, editor-in-chief of the online newspaper Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs, has received multiple death threats in recent days. The messages, which also included threats to burn her home and workplace, put both Barut and her family members at risk.
The perpetrators demanded a payment of one million dollars “per person,” giving a deadline of two days. They warned that failure to comply would result in violence. The messages contained sensitive personal information, including the schools her children attend and her husband’s vehicle, raising serious concerns about the methods used to gather these details.
Authorities face challenges in tracing the threats, as the messages were sent via fake SIM cards. Reports suggest that organized groups may be behind the intimidation, allegedly employing individuals within the Turkish Cypriot community to collect information on their targets.
The incident has sparked a strong response from local journalists’ unions. The Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Association (KTGB) condemned the threats, describing the environment as increasingly unsafe and a serious threat to press freedom. Similarly, the Turkish Cypriot Press Workers’ Union (Basın-Sen) highlighted the growing risks for media professionals, noting that organized crime, previously targeting businesspeople, now appears to be focusing on journalists as well.
Both unions have announced plans to hold a protest outside the general police headquarters on Tuesday, demanding immediate measures to ensure the safety of Barut and her family, as well as to apprehend those responsible.
