Northern Cyprus

The results show Northern Cyprus is relatively safe for journalists, with press freedom generally respected. Serious attacks or physical violence are uncommon, and most journalists report feeling safe while carrying out their duties. However, some forms of threat, such as surveillance, public discrediting, or stalking, affect many journalists, especially younger and female professionals. Additionally, in recent years, some journalists have experienced various forms of harassment, threats and legal pressure, including sanctions and lawsuits, particularly from Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities. These do not constitute widespread repression but contribute to a sense of vulnerability. Professional associations play a crucial role in promoting a culture of accountability and offering support. While there is some online violence and digital harassment, journalists generally feel relatively secure in their digital activities. However, younger journalists, who tend to be more active on social media platforms or cover politically sensitive topics, report higher exposure to digital threats. The overall environment appears manageable, but more robust training, institutional guidance, and digital protection protocols are needed to maintain and enhance digital safety. Most journalists feel financially secure, particularly those working in public media, where job stability is generally guaranteed. However, for those in private media outlets, working conditions are shaped by financial instability. Media owners have other political or business interests, which can undermine journalists’ editorial autonomy and public trust. Psychological safety emerges as the most fragile dimension of journalists’ well-being in Northern Cyprus. The findings indicate that the accumulated stress from various threats, such as verbal harassment, legal intimidation, reputational damage, and work conditions, takes a toll on mental health. Many journalists express concern for their emotional well-being and experience elevated stress, yet very few report receiving support from newsrooms, associations, or government institutions. This underscores the need to develop stronger mental health resources and support systems tailored to the unique challenges of journalism in politically sensitive contexts. Taken together, the country’s safety score reflects a relatively stable environment that relies more on the absence of extreme violence than on the presence of protective structures. Moving forward, efforts to improve journalist safety should address not only physical and digital risks but also financial pressures, psychological resilience, and gendered vulnerabilities within the profession.