Gürkan Özturan was trained in the field of European Studies as a researcher on radicalization and polarization during his two masters degrees at Centre International de Formation Europeenne and Istanbul Bilgi University. Özturan previously worked as a journalist and executive manager at dokuz8NEWS and frequently appeared on international media as commentator on Turkey and digital rights. He has served as board member for various anti-racism and rights-focued NGOs and social movements in Turkey, currently he is a board member for Turkey-European Foundation, Media Research Association and Trauma & Life Association. Özturan is a registered member of Journalists Union of Turkey and International Federation of Journalists. Özturan currently works as the coordinator of Media Freedom Rapid Response, at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom.