BBC journalist was deported due to lack of accreditation: Türkiye’s Communications Directorate

ISTANBUL

Türkiye’s Communications Directorate announced Thursday that the deportation of BBC News Correspondent Mark Lowen was due to a lack of accreditation and that other claims regarding his circumstances were disinformation.

“As is publicly known, accreditation procedures for foreign press members operating in Türkiye—whether permanent or temporary—are carried out in accordance with Articles 9, 39 and 40 of the Press Card Regulation,” the directorate said in a statement.

The statement said that journalists who enter Türkiye and engage in professional activities “without properly submitting an application are subject to administrative measures.”

According to the Communications Directorate, Lowen, a UK citizen and BBC employee, travelled to Istanbul and submitted no prior notification or accreditation request to conduct journalistic activities.

“As a result, administrative action was taken against him,” it said.

• BBC News Correspondent Mark Lowen
• Türkiye’s Communications Directorate