Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2026 – Türkiye

NCCA
Mar 19
2 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Freedom House, March 2026

Cover image for Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 showing protesters holding a Turkish flag amid tear gas and police presence, symbolizing civil unrest and challenges to political rights and civil liberties in Türkiye.

Overview

In Freedom in the World 2026, Freedom House again classifies Türkiye as “Not Free,” citing continued democratic backsliding, restrictions on political rights, and serious limitations on civil liberties.

The report highlights how executive dominance, weakened judicial independence, and the use of criminal law against critics continue to shape Türkiye’s political and legal landscape.

Key Findings

Freedom House Freedom in the World 2026 scorecard for Türkiye showing a total score of 32 out of 100, classified as “Not Free,” with 16 out of 40 in political rights and 16 out of 60 in civil liberties.

Freedom Status

Status: Not Free
Türkiye remains among the lowest-ranked countries in Europe for political rights and civil liberties.

Political Rights & Governance

The executive branch maintains significant control over state institutions, including the judiciary and electoral processes.
Opposition figures, mayors, and political actors face investigations, arrests, and legal pressure.

Judicial Independence

Courts lack independence and are frequently influenced by political considerations.
The judiciary is used as a tool to prosecute critics, journalists, and opposition figures.

Civil Liberties

Freedom of expression remains heavily restricted through laws such as “insulting the president” and the disinformation law.
Journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens face prosecution for peaceful speech.

Media Environment

Independent media continues to shrink due to regulatory pressure, fines, and ownership concentration.
Critical reporting is frequently censored or penalized.

Freedom of Assembly & Association

Protests are often restricted or banned, and participants may face police intervention or legal consequences.
Civil society organizations operate under increasing scrutiny and legal pressure.

Why It Matters

Freedom House’s 2026 assessment confirms that Türkiye’s democratic decline remains systemic and ongoing, with institutional safeguards continuing to weaken.

The concentration of power, erosion of judicial independence, and widespread restrictions on expression contribute to an environment where political opposition and civil society face persistent challenges.

These findings reinforce broader international concerns about Türkiye’s trajectory and highlight the importance of continued monitoring, accountability, and support for democratic institutions.