Story perspectives

NATO Blocks Journalists from Ankara Summit, Sparks Press Freedom Concerns

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

NATO denied accreditation to journalist Ersin Celik and to reporters from several independent outlets for the July 7-8 summit in Ankara.
The Turkish Journalists Association warned that the mass denials threaten press freedom and breach NATO’s founding principles.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance relies on the host nation’s assessment of journalists and is in contact with Turkish authorities.
Pro-government Yeni Safak journalist Ersin Celik announced the denial on Instagram.

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Story summary

NATO denied accreditation to journalist Ersin Celik and to reporters from several independent outlets for the July 7-8 summit in Ankara.
The Turkish Journalists Association warned that the mass denials threaten press freedom and breach NATO’s founding principles.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance relies on the host nation’s assessment of journalists and is in contact with Turkish authorities.
Pro-government Yeni Safak journalist Ersin Celik announced the denial on Instagram.