Basın-Sen: Journalists Received Death Threats Over Exclusive Reports, Government Turned a Blind Eye

In a written statement assessing the year, Basın-Sen said that 2025 could clearly be defined as a “year of fear” for journalists. The union noted that media workers were subjected to death threats over the course of the year because of their investigative reporting, with these threats affecting not only their working conditions but also their lives and psychological well-being.

Despite these developments, the statement said, the central government proved incapable of standing by journalists, protecting them or providing security guarantees. The union warned that the lack of sufficient measures and precautions throughout the year strengthens concerns that similar threats and attacks could continue in 2026.

Basın-Sen said the most hopeful development of the year was the strong and determined response shown by press organisations and media workers against pressure. It noted that this collective stance helped to partially disperse the climate of fear and prevented many potential threats and attacks. The union stressed that standing in solidarity with every media worker targeted solely for doing their job, regardless of their views, opinions or ethnic background, is an unavoidable responsibility.

The statement said that throughout 2025, freedom of expression and thought continued to be put on trial. It recalled the case brought against Basın-Sen President Ali Kişmir, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, noting that the case was taken to the Constitutional Court at the union’s request and that hearings were completed during 2025. The Constitutional Court issued an indefinite postponement, while the union expressed its expectation that the process should not be prolonged further and that a decision should be announced in the first month of the new year. It called for the case, which has been ongoing for nearly four years, to end immediately and for similar prosecutions to be halted.

Addressing labour issues, the statement said 2025 did not differ from previous years, with the wealthy becoming wealthier, the middle class almost disappearing and workers’ purchasing power hitting rock bottom. Debates around the minimum wage were described as far from meeting workers’ expectations. The union reiterated demands for the minimum wage to be equalised with the lowest public-sector salary, increased in line with the cost of living, and for non-unionised employment to be banned.

Basın-Sen also argued that the system of plunder, exploitation and profiteering established in the north of the island after 1974 reached its peak in 2025. Crimes such as bribery, fake diplomas, partisanship, cronyism and money laundering were said to have become normalised. The union claimed that in a country where a prime ministry undersecretary is on trial, the political leadership has failed to take responsibility and has instead shown determination to maintain this system. It said one of the union’s primary objectives remains the struggle for a federal Cyprus.

The statement welcomed signs that the negotiation process, which it said was dismantled between 2020 and 2025, began to re-emerge following the 19 October 2025 presidential election. However, it described the rhetoric used by newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman as unacceptable, stressing that the process must be pursued with a strong and determined commitment to federation.

Basın-Sen said 2025 was also marked by an increase in reactionary attacks on secular life and social gains in Cyprus. It underlined that secularism is the fundamental guarantee for the coexistence of different beliefs and freedom of thought, adding that the struggle for secularism will continue in 2026.

The statement also referred to what it described as genocide in Palestine, saying it caused deep shock in 2025, and sharply criticised the Republic of Cyprus for its close relations with Israel. It called on the Greek Cypriot public to raise their voices against this policy.

Basın-Sen concluded by stating that in 2026 it will continue to stand with labour, defend equality and justice, protect freedom of expression and thought, and pursue the struggle for a federal Cyprus with determination. The statement ended with wishes that the new year would bring health above all, followed by peace.