A recent report by Reporters Without Borders only confirms the grim reality: journalists across the world face dangerous obstacles in their work, created by both state and non-state actors.

However, while the latter can hardly be expected to respect fundamental rights, one can certainly question the intentions of those countries that, while professing democratic values, clamp down heavily on the domestic media.

In this regard, the example of Turkey stands out. On Wednesday, a Turkish court convicted 13 journalists working for the Cumhuriyet newspaper on charges of terrorism; the journalists have been penalised for supporting what the Turkish state considers to be terror groups, including the Kurdish PKK, leftist groups and supporters of cleric Fethullah Gulen — all the bêtes noires of the Recep Erdogan-led government.

The charges date back to the failed 2016 military coup. Last month, 25 media persons were jailed for their alleged links to Mr Gulen.

Cumhuriyet has taken a line on major national issues that is opposed to the government stance. Perhaps that is why the paper’s staffers have been punished on questionable charges of terrorism.

Further, Mr Erdogan has called snap polls in June; given the current wave of severe press restrictions, the ruling AKP leadership certainly appears to be attempting to muzzle all dissent before the elections.

The AKP has indeed worked hard to turn around the Turkish economy and keep the generals at bay; Turkey’s modern history is replete with instances of coups, and the military has intervened multiple times to overthrow elected dispensations.

That is why the Turkish state and people did well to thwart the 2016 coup.

However, this does not mean that civilian autocracy should snuff out all opposing viewpoints in the country. To preserve the gains that Turkey has made and to prevent a slide towards autocracy, Mr Erdogan must allow a free media and political opposition to thrive.

The AKP has won several elections in a row; it should not further taint its democratic credentials by indulging in authoritarian tactics.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2018