Tavır Newspaper, which operates under the Sözcü Media Group, has become the subject of debate after using an AI-generated image in its report about detained BirGün reporter İsmail Arı. The presentation of the story, which describes Arı sleeping on the floor in prison, using a representative image, drew criticism from journalist Zafer Arapkirli.
In its report on conditions at Sincan Prison, Tavır Newspaper stated that 62 people were being held in a ward designed for 28. The image accompanying the report depicted a person lying on the floor of the ward. The newspaper added a note at the edge of the image stating, "Image: Artificial Intelligence," to indicate that it was AI-generated.
However, the publication of the report under the headline "This is how journalist İsmail Arı sleeps on the floor in his prison ward" led to criticism. The presentation, which gave the impression of a real photograph, became the focus of the controversy despite the disclaimer that the image was representative.
Journalist Zafer Arapkirli expressed his sharp reaction to Tavır Newspaper's report in a post on his social media account.
SERIOUSLY, "TAVIR" NEWSPAPER! They published a report today with a "photo" of İsmail Arı sleeping on the floor in a crowded prison ward. This is no time for jokes, friends. Go find another pastime to amuse yourselves. There is no need for such foolishness! https://t.co/1Ak2QIESmn
— Zafer Arapkirli (@ZaferArapkirli) October 27, 2026
Stating "This is no time for jokes," Arapkirli added, “Go find another pastime to amuse yourselves. There is no need for such foolishness!” he remarked.
Arapkirli's post reads as follows:
“SERIOUSLY, "TAVIR" NEWSPAPER!
They published a report today with a "photo" of İsmail Arı sleeping on the floor in a crowded prison ward.
This is no time for jokes, friends.
Go find another pastime to amuse yourselves.
There is no need for such foolishness!”
News Source: 12punto
