Deutsche Welle to close office in Turkey as authorities refuse to extend license

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The Ministry of Industry and Technology has refused to extend the license of Deutsche Welle (DW) Türkçe because of "not choosing its field of activity correctly."

The outlet was notified of the decision on March 7. The license needs to be extended every two years.

After the decision, DW will not be able to insure its employees in Turkey, but can continue journalism through freelance work. It will close its office in Turkey at the end of the month, and its employees will become freelancers.

The DW Türkçe website has also been banned in Turkey since July 2022.

After an application from the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), the Ankara 1st Penal Judgeship of Peace on June 30 blocked access to the Turkish services of DW and Voice of America.

The RTÜK had demanded the access ban due to their failure to apply for a license. (HA/VK)