A total of 67 journalists faced trial in Turkey during the month of December, with prosecutors demanding up to a cumulative 1334 years in prison, according to a report by the Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC).

Trials took place in 36 cases in 10 provinces.

In December, courts issued a total of 14 years 8 months and 15 days in prison to eight journalists while acquitting 25 journalists. One journalist received a nine-month sentence, which was changed into a 4.500 lira ($340) fine.

In the same timeframe 11 journalists and other workers in media were detained and seven journalists had new cases launched against them. Three journalists faced new investigations.

Journalists were accused of terrorism, violations of privacy, working without a valid journalism license, inciting hatred, slander, exposing private conversations, insulting the president, attempting to disrupt the unity of the state, espionage, among other charges.

Several journalists were physically attacked, while others received death threats.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in its 2021 report, said Turkey’s mainstream media had been “effectively eradicated” following the failed coup attempt of 2016 and the subsequent government crackdown.