French journalist Raphaël Boukandoura arrested in Istanbul during pro-Kurdish protest, major French newsrooms demand his release

On January 19, 2026, French journalist Raphaël Boukandoura was arrested by Turkish police while covering a demonstration organized by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DEM) in Istanbul. Boukandoura, who works with leading French outlets including Libération, found himself detained in an incident that prompted immediate outcry from France's journalistic community and press freedom advocates.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemned the arrest, asserting that Boukandoura was carrying out his legitimate duty as a journalist to report on a political protest. RSF called for his immediate release, framing the detention as a violation of press freedoms and journalists' rights to independently cover political events without fear of repression.

Following the arrest, four French newsrooms—Libération, Courrier International, Mediapart, and Ouest-France—issued a joint statement in both French and Turkish, demanding the swift liberation of Boukandoura. This coordinated response highlights strong concern within France over the implications of his detention on journalistic freedom and diplomatic relations between France and Turkey.

The arrest took place amid broader tensions surrounding press freedoms in Turkey, especially regarding coverage of Kurdish political movements, making Boukandoura's case emblematic of increasing risks faced by journalists reporting on sensitive issues in the region.

As of now, Boukandoura remains under threat of expulsion, underscoring the precarious situation confronted by foreign journalists in Turkey. The French media outlets’ public appeals and RSF’s condemnation amplify calls for respect of independent reporting and protection of journalists’ rights.

This development raises pressing questions about Turkey's approach to media coverage of political protests and the safety of foreign correspondents, with France actively advocating for the release of one of its nationals engaged in professional journalistic duties abroad.