Rtük punishes Halk TV for critical views. Reporters without borders warn against disproportionate pressure on opposition media in Turkey.
The Turkish Supreme Council for Radio and Television (RTUK) announced on Thursday that it ordered to suspend the broadcasting of the Halk TV television station, which is close to the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). According to RTUK, the station committed hate incitement. The regulator’s step was also sentenced by reporters without borders, AFP reported.
Rtük decided that Halk TV violated the regulations, especially when one of the guests in one of the sessions said that Turkey “does not become a larger religious but larger sectarian” country. According to the Council’s declaration, this claim meant incitement of hatred and hostility, which led to the decision to order the television to temporarily suspend the broadcast.
Reporters without borders Erol Önderoğlu claim that RTük “pleases arbitrarily and disproportionately punishable every discussion or criticism that encourages political and judicial repression directed against CHP”. On behalf of the organization, he expressed concern that opposition news channels close to CHP could be forced to stop its activities in the medium term.
Television is close to the opposition
According to AFP, Halk TV is close to the CHP, which is exposed to the pressure of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In March, the Turkish authorities imprisoned a member of CHP and Istanbul Mayor of Ekrem Imamogl for charges of corruption and ties to terrorists, which caused mass protests. He himself rejects all allegations.
In March, the Turkish regulatory body affected the same punishment as Halk TV and another channel close to the opposition – Sözcü TV. However, he suspended his decision before taking into account.
From the point of view of the Freedom of Media Index, Turkey is at 159. The rung of a total of 180 countries on the list of reporters without borders, writes AFP.
