Turkish Youtubers lose freedom for taking streets' pulse

3 Youtubers were arrested in Turkey's Antalya province after asking strangers about their economic concerns as the value of the country's currency continues to fall, The Independent reported.

The Turkish lira continues to suffer heavy losses against foreign currencies. Worries about the country’s ongoing economic policy are increasing among Turks, domestic and international investors.

In tweets, the YouTubers said they were interviewing people on the streets to make their voices heard amid the financial crisis. The Turkish lira dropped 40% since September and has hit an all-time low.

Critics say continued crackdown on the YouTube journalists, whose interviews with ordinary people on the streets have given voice to the country’s economic frustrations, could tighten restrictions on free speech in Turkey.

Human rights organization Freedom House's 2021 Freedom on the Net report, which analyzes internet freedom worldwide, labeled Turkey as "not free," noting widespread filtering or removal of online content that was critical of the government.

According to the Stockholm Center for Press Freedom, 72 journalists are currently in prison in Turkey and 89 are awaiting trial.

The central bank's decision to reduce the cost of borrowing despite annual inflation running at 20% has led to the value of the lira halving during 2021. 

Official interest rates have been cut from 19% to 15% since September and markets are bracing themselves for another 1-point cut in interest rates on Thursday.