Two Turkish journalists were arrested over blackmail claims, but critics say it’s retaliation for exposing government-linked corruption and supporting opposition figures.

Two prominent Turkish investigative journalists were taken into custody during early morning raids on Thursday, according to a statement from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office. The arrests were made on charges related to alleged “threats” and “blackmail.”

"The investigation is ongoing, including detention, search, and seizure procedures targeting the suspects," the prosecutor’s office stated.

The two journalists, Timur Soykan and Murat Agirel, are reporters for the opposition newspapers Birgun and Cumhuriyet. Both publications condemned the arrests, claiming that the real reason for the detention was the journalists’ investigation into the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Imamoglu is widely viewed as the main rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming presidential election.

Enes Ermaner, the lawyer representing both Soykan and Agirel, stated that arrangements had already been made with the prosecutor’s office for the journalists to appear voluntarily and provide their statements on Thursday. He also posted images on social media that appeared to support this claim.

"The detention of individuals who had scheduled appointments to testify and were clearly willing to do so is not only unlawful but also a clear example of the application of Enemy Criminal Law," Ermaner wrote on X.

The prosecutor’s office said the arrests followed a complaint made by Mehmet Emin Goktug, owner of Flash Haber TV. Goktug is currently in jail awaiting trial on charges including money laundering and illegal sports betting. According to the complaint, Soykan and Agirel allegedly threatened and blackmailed him concerning the transfer and sale of the television channel.

Reporters Without Borders, known by its French acronym RSF, stated that the journalists were clearly targeted for raising questions about Imamoglu’s arrest.

"It appears that the searches of the journalists' property were solely aimed at identifying their sources, who contributed to the reports they published," said Erol Önderoglu, RSF’s representative in Turkey, in a statement.

The organization also pointed out that Turkish authorities have intensified their crackdown on journalists and media outlets since protests began following the events of March 19.

Soykan and Agirel can be held for up to four days. No court dates have been announced as of yet.

Both journalists have faced legal pressure in the past due to their reporting critical of the Erdogan government.

Burhanettin Bulut, deputy chairperson of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), remarked that "the sole purpose of those responsible for these disgraceful actions and for using the judiciary as a weapon is to intimidate journalists who criticize the government and silence the free press."

Soykan was scheduled to receive the 'Story of the Year' award on Thursday evening, according to the Contemporary Journalists’ Association. The association emphasized its continued support, stating, "Even if their reporting on recent illegal acts and their investigations into criminal networks and cults disturb certain individuals, we will keep saying: Journalism is not a crime. Our colleagues must be released immediately."