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Ahmet Altan

Ahmet Altan is a prominent Turkish author, journalist, and former editor known for his insightful writing on Turkish politics and society. Born in 1950, he has authored numerous books and articles that often critique authoritarianism and defend free speech. In 2016, he was imprisoned on charges widely viewed as politically motivated, related to alleged links to a failed coup attempt, though he and many international organizations argued he was targeted for his journalism. Altan's case highlights issues of press freedom and human rights in Turkey. He was released in 2019 after spending over three years in prison, and continues to be a significant voice advocating for democracy.