Protesters hold placards, including one (centre) reading 'Freedom for Ismail Ari', during a rally in Istanbul against growing pressure on journalists, including arrests and media shutdowns. (AFP pic)ISTANBUL: Thousands rallied in Istanbul and Ankara on Saturday against what they described as growing pressure on journalists in Turkey, including arrests, media shutdowns and the appointment of state administrators.

Press freedom has been increasingly constrained in Turkey since a failed coup attempt in 2016, with sweeping prosecutions, digital censorship and accusations by the authorities that journalists are spreading fake news.

"Enough!" shouted marchers in the crowds, composed mainly of journalists, rights activists and opposition party representatives. "We can no longer breathe!"