Numerous Turkish journalists, media outlets and unions on Thursday reported they were denied accreditation to cover next week's NATO summit in Ankara, raising concerns about transparency and media access.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said many Turkish journalists, including leading reporters, had been excluded from the event. Opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet and broadcasters Sözcü TV and Halk TV said their accreditation requests were rejected without explanation.
Veteran journalist Deniz Zeyrek said he had covered NATO summits in Washington, Brussels and elsewhere during his 32-year career, but was denied access in his own country. He noted that pro-government media appeared to have received accreditation while independent outlets were excluded.
RSF's Turkey representative Erol Önderoğlu described the accreditation process as opaque and lacking any mechanism for appeal. He called for a fair and transparent system.
In a statement on X, NATO said it relies on assessments by host countries regarding local journalists when summits are held outside its headquarters, but remains in contact with Turkish authorities.
Turkish officials have not commented on the complaints.
NATO leaders are set to gather on July 7-8. Tensions between the US and European allies are likely to impact their talks about the Iran and Ukraine wars plus defence and deterrence commitments.
