Attitude of Turkish press to operations against organized crime organizations: The example of BUTTERFLY and SCYTHE operations

Crime and organized crime, which appears as an extension of it, appear as a great threat to all humanity. Organized crime is also a major obstacle to ensuring public order and peace. The basis of the concept of organized crime, which consists of at least three or more people, dates back to ancient times. This concept, which is active in the geographies of Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, especially in Italy, is a concept that has its counterpart all over the world. Organized crime cases are encountered in almost every country in the world. The mafia, a modern phenomenon of organized crime, is more organized and emerges as a concept in which there is a strict hierarchy, certain rules are adopted and it is difficult to become a member. According to historians, the mafia, whose homeland is Italy, has spread to all countries of the world from here. The Italian mafia has been a role-model to almost all organized crime organizations that can be counted as equivalents. The omerta, the law of silence, which emerged in the Italian mafia, has become the main rule for mafia groups active in various countries of the world. Fighting against such crimes is essential for all humanity. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms in societies dominated by the mafia. For this reason, the fight against organized crime and mafia-type crimes is of great importance. The concepts of organized crime and mafia will be mentioned, and the past of the crime cells shaped around these concepts and examples in some countries are explained. In addition, the adventure of organized crime in Turkey and the practices of mafia-type crimes were mentioned. How the Butterfly and Tirpan operations, one of the only operations in the fight against mafia-type crimes in Turkey, were handled on the internet portals of Milliyet, Sabah and Cumhuriyet newspapers, the issue was examined, and the task of this press organization in the execution of these operations was examined. Key Words: Organized Crime, Mafia, Turkish Mafia, Kelebek Operation, Tırpan Operation